Stockport asked to ‘join the conversation’ as CAPITAL&CENTRIC launches consultation on iconic Weir Mill
Locals are being asked to give their opinion on the project - which will see the creation of 250 new homes, as well as independent shops and green space.
Social impact developer CAPITAL&CENTRIC has launched consultation on its £60m plans to transform Weir Mill in Stockport into a thriving new mixed-use community.
Local residents are now being asked for their feedback on the proposal – which includes the construction of 250 new homes, modern riverside frontage, spaces for independent traders (such as café-bars, delis or shops) and surrounding courtyards and green spaces.
CAPITAL&CENTRIC announced the regeneration plans in May – hoping to bring a new lease of life to the waterfront with shops open to all members of the public.
Weir Mill began life as a water-powered cotton works in the late 18th century and remains a treasured part of Stockport town centre – with its original water wheelhouse and mill building still standing today.
Adam Higgins, co-founder of CAPITAL&CENTRIC said: “Weir Mill is an enduring icon of Stockport’s industrial past, which even inspired local artist LS Lowry. But many of the buildings are now in a pretty bad state so we have to find a viable long term use for them or risk losing them forever.
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“Our plan is to create a thriving new town centre community, where incredible places to live sit alongside green spaces and amenities looking out across the river.
“This isn’t just going to be a development for the people that live there, we’re creating a quiet space in the town centre where you can grab a coffee and sit by the water surrounded by some of Stockport’s best historic architecture.
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“We want to know what you’d like to see there. This could be café-bars, delis or independent shops but we’re open to ideas. So, join the conversation and tell us what you think!”
COVID-19 restrictions means public meetings aren’t possible. However, CAPITAL&CENTRIC have been engaging with the community by other means including:
Sending a newsletter to nearly 5000 households and businesses in the area with a tear-off questionnaire
Encouraging feedback via phone on 0800 689 1095 or email: [email protected]
Welcoming comments on social media: @CapitalCentric
This first stage of consultation closes on 14 August.
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Feedback will be used to help shape the plans with a further stage of consultation after summer.
A planning application is likely to be submitted to the local council by the end of the year.
Famed for innovative design and ambitious regeneration projects, CAPITAL&CENTRIC has made its first foray into Stockport with Weir Mill – a key part of the Mayoral Development Corporation’s (MDC’s) big plan for the town centre.
The Weir Mill site will sit adjacent to a new £120m transport interchange, being backed by £7m of Housing Infrastructure Fund money from Homes England.
Stockport Council Leader, Councillor Elise Wilson said: “It’s great to see the plans for Weir Mill moving forward and I’d encourage local people to get involved in the consultation.
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“CAPITAL&CENTRIC are known for their focus on creating communities so this is an opportunity for local people to come together with the developer to create something really special.
“Weir Mill will really set the scene for our ambitious plans for Town Centre West and encourage more people to visit and live in the town centre. I look forward to seeing the plans as they develop.”
Lord Bob Kerslake, Chair of the MDC, said the development could “set a new standard for town centre living.”
“It’s vital that we set the bar high and create something that local people can engage with and be proud of,” he added.
“CAPITAL&CENTRIC’s track record of ambitious, high-quality development makes them the ideal developer for this historic site and it’s great to see developers continuing to back Stockport as we look to Build Back Better.”
Learn more about CAPITAL&CENTRIC by visiting their website.
Property
A look inside Fusion Manchester’s brand new state-of-the-art student accommodation in Deansgate
Lydia Mastrolonardo
Some brand-new luxury student accommodation is due to open this September just in time for the start of the academic year.
When it comes to those incredible facilities, we’re talking a gym, a yoga studio, three outdoor terraces with views across the city, study spaces, a private dining room, a gaming lounge, and free laundry. Not to mention a coffee lounge with free tea, coffee, and breakfast cereals.
They truly have thought of everything to allow students to thrive and make the most of the Manchester life, including running social events, co-working spaces, and mental health support.
This is Fusion Manchester’s brand new state-of-the-art student accommodation in Deansgate / Credit: Darren Robinson Photography (Supplied)
And as for the location? Well that’s just the cherry on top.
Fusion Manchester is nestled in the heart of Deansgate, making it less than a five-minute walk to Deansgate Train Station or tram stop, as well as being in prime proximity to the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University which are both around 20 minutes away on foot – ideal when you’re running late for a class.
It also could not be in a better spot for making plans on the weekends with new friends, as it’s just a stones-throw away from some of the best cafes, restaurants, concert and retail spaces that Manchester has to offer.
The rooms boast incredible panoramic views / Credit: Darren Robinson Photography (Supplied)
All residents’ rent covers their utilities, superfast Wi-Fi, free laundry, regular housekeeping and access to shared facilities, as well as the building having a 24/7 reception, secure fob entry, and CCTV throughout, to keep students feeling nice and safe.
Rooms range from en-suite accommodations at £265 per week, to classic, premium, or deluxe studios from £345 per week – but hurry, as they’re booking up fast and it’s not hard to see why.
If you’d like to book a viewing or learn more about Fusion Manchester, click here.
Featured Image – Darren Robinson Photography (Supplied)
Property
Manc architects submit plans to demolish 1970s office block and make way for new residential area
Danny Jones
A Manchester-based architects has submitted promising proposals to demolish an old 1970s-era office block and make way for a brand new residential community in Stockport.
The vision seems fairly ambitious and lofty – pun intended – but the potential outcome could be stunning.
Ollier Smurthwaite (OS) Architects are the local practice behind the new housing plans, which will not only provide nearly 300 new homes but also bring part of the Stopfordian skyline down; it’s not often you hear of things getting lower when so much of Greater Manchester just keeps building up.
Sharing the first proper glimpse at what they hope the redeveloped corner of the busy A6 main road will look like, many have been pleased to see familiar red brick and a traditional feel as opposed to more glass towers.
Writing a lengthy caption alongside the social media post, the OS state, “We are preparing a planning application for the St Christopher’s site in Stockport.
“Located at the prominent junction of Wellington Road South and Longshut Lane, the proposal aims to transform the prominent corner by demolishing the existing 10-storey 1970s office block to make way for a new residential community.
“The proposals are for a modern ‘mansion’ block with taller ceilings, more windows, better communal areas and private gardens.”
It remains to be seen at what price point these apartments will be available for.
Promising a total of 278 ‘new dwellings’, the scheme will crucially see the height of the existing plot lowered to fall in line with other neighbouring properties, as St Christopher’s House currently sits well above the nearby terraces and its metropolitan style does stand out against the surrounding brickwork.
The early reception to the proposed plans looks to be largely positive, too, with one user commenting online, “A very nice looking building with character. More of these please”; another went so far as to add, “These are the sort of modern buildings that will become grade listed.”
It’s also worth showcasing what exactly these blueprints look like when they’re brought to life, such as another development over in Longsight:
Render vs Reality. We recently completed our Daisy Bank scheme in Longsight Manchester for 72 new homes. The scheme takes contextual references from Dalton Ellis Hall & Victoria Park Christian Fellowship in the adjacent conservation area.@createstreets@archi_tradition… pic.twitter.com/DasRUtaylh
Safe to say that seeing what businesses trying to regenerate boroughs actually deliver compared to their initial mock-ups is always useful.
The award-winning firm goes on to add that “the building will be deliberately stepped back from the pavement to create a planted tree-lined avenue”, which will also revolve around a central courtyard and residents’ gardens, with ground-floor flats benefitting from private patios.
CGIs of shared communal roof terraces also give the designs that added modern look, with few other places in the vicinity offering this kind of space. It could be a welcome addition to the region that is already going through plenty of change at the minute.
Another big construction scheme is the one being carried out by Capital and Centric over the new Weir Mill district, which could be transformational for the town centre.
The Manc -
27th July 2020 
