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
‘Own a landmark, create a legacy’ – Historic chimney goes on sale for £300k in Bolton
Emily Sergeant
How would you like to live in a big chimney?
I know that might sound like an odd question, and in some respects, it is… but we’re being 100% genuine, as over in Bolton there is currently a historic local landmark on the market with planning permission to make it into your new home, and it’ll only set you back £300,000.
‘Only’ is a bit of a stretch, but when you consider the magnitude of this property, it’s surprising that you’re able to get your hands on it for such a reasonable price.
This is Barrow Bridge Chimney.
Rising above the tranquil stone cottages and wooded valley of the stunning model village that is Barrow Bridge, this striking Victorian chimney stands as a lone sentinel of Bolton’s proud industrial past – and now, with full planning permission secured, estate agents say it offers an ‘extraordinary opportunity’ to reimagine history as a truly one-of-a-kind home.
A historic chimney has gone on sale for £300k in Bolton / Credit: Miller Metcalfe
Originally built in the early 19th century as part of the ‘ambitious’ Dean Mills complex, the chimney once crowned a thriving cotton-spinning hub founded by Thomas Bazley, who was one of the Industrial Revolution’s great innovators.
Long after the mills fell silent though, the chimney endured and remained a local landmark in Smithills visible for miles, and today this relic of the steam age is ready for its next chapter.
Approved plans for the chimney are described as being a ‘bold’ residential conversion that will honour its industrial heritage, while still creating a dramatic modern dwelling like no other in the town.
The planning permission is in place for a two-storey residence of approximately 3,939 sq ft, with a striking contemporary design blended seamlessly with practical living.
The planning permission is in place for a ‘striking’ two-storey residence / Credit: Miller Metcalfe
The approved plans include three spacious bedrooms (two with en-suites), a family bathroom, a downstairs cloakroom, and a study that can easily adapted to a four-bedroom, four-bathroom layout to suit modern family life.
What makes this an even more attractive prospect for future buyers is that the chimney is well-connected to both amenities and nature – with both independent businesses, good local schools, and convenient transport links on the doorstep, as well as parks and tree-lined walks.
“This is your chance to own more than bricks and mortar,” estate agents Miller Metcalfe said.
“It’s a chance to live inside a landmark, to shape its story for future generations, and to call a piece of Bolton’s proud industrial heritage your own. Enquire now to discover how you can transform this iconic chimney into a legacy home that will stand for generations to come.”
Fancy it then? Take a look at the property on Rightmove here.
Featured Image – Miller Metcalfe
Property
Manchester furniture outlet LOFT is hosting a major closing-down sale with up to 70% off
Emily Sergeant
Manchester furniture outlet LOFT is hosting a major closing-down sale with up to 70% off.
Okay, so it’s not technically closing down per se, but the current LOFT premises off Hyde Road near Piccadilly will officially close doors on 30 September, as the business consolidates its operations and relocates to its newly completed headquarters over at Trafford Park.
Unlike a typical closing-down sale, the stock isn’t old or unwanted. Instead, it’s a live snapshot of LOFT’s day-to-day business, and everything must go.
LOFT is known for furnishing properties across the build-to-rent, student accommodation, co-living, private rented, and social housing sectors, and that constant turnover naturally generates surplus – whether it be project overstock, end-of-line pieces or discontinued items making way for new collections.
The move over to Trafford Park is said to be a moment to clear the warehouse ‘completely’ and start the new chapter with a clean slate.
Manchester furniture outlet LOFT is hosting a major closing-down sale with up to 70% off / Credit: Supplied
This means that everything, from sofas and beds, to dining sets, armchairs, and home accessories, must go before the move, with prices already reduced by 50 to 70% below RRP.
Benjamin Hall, who is the Founder and CEO of LOFT, says this is the ‘biggest and best value’ sale the company has ever offered.
He explained: “As we settle into our new home at Trafford Park, we want a completely clean slate. Whether you’re a homeowner after a one-off bargain, or a landlord, agent or developer furnishing multiple units on a budget, there has never been a better time to visit.”
The Manc -
27th July 2020 
