Greater Manchester has been given another peek at the new neighbourhood and hangout spot in Stockport, Weir Mill.
Situated on the banks of the River Mersey, which runs through the heart of the old Cheshire town, Stopfordians will be more than familiar with the old building, which sits in the shadow of the Hat Works Museum tower.
The familiar North Western red brick is set to remain a noticeable structure below the recognisable Victorian Viaduct, but beneath it is set to become the home of at least new independent businesses.
Now, developers Capital and Centric have shared further glimpses at what they’re hoping the mini-district will look like when finished…
We visited the site back in 2023 not long after work begun.They have big plans to make it a suburban destination.Credit: The Manc Group/Capital and Centric
As you can see, besides the new homes and other buildings popping up in and around SK, this particular development (which will hopefully replicate the success of similar canalside regenerations such as those in Manchester city centre’s New Islington Marina) spans a whopping 65,000 sq ft.
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Revolving around a new village epicentre, of sorts – simply known as Weaver Square – will see an influx of at least 10 new bars, restaurants, cafés and more indie traders spilling out of Weir Mill’s soon-to-be transformed ground floor onto what they hope will be a bustling new terrace.
Come the summer, this could be a great suntrap spot, too.
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Aiming to bring these varied, open, social spaces to life with both local businesses and residents in mind, they’re promising live music, street food pop-ups, parties and al fresco eats under the iconic arches.
Pictured below, the space will not only include the aforementioned riverside terrace but a central courtyard with a lush, green, plant-laden sunken courtyard in the middle, plus plenty of other nooks teeming with character.
After being greenlit by Stockport Council, the project itself has actually been moving forward since 2022, but it now appears like it’s starting to take real shape.
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Credit: Supplied
Cllr Micheala Meikle, Stockport‘s cabinet member for economy, skills and regeneration, states: “Our UK-leading town centre regeneration is about more than building new homes, it’s about creating vibrant neighbourhoods and breathing new life into Stockport’s heritage, giving our historic buildings a future.”
“While the Grade-II listed former mill is being carefully restored for residents, the new public square will create opportunities for independent businesses to thrive and for people from across the borough to come and enjoy our buzzing town centre.
“It is incredibly exciting to see how our riverside will soon be opened up into an inviting outdoor space where local communities can come together over great food, live music, and creative events from day into night.”
Better still, with Stockport’s growing transport links as part of the Bee Network only set to be extended further in the coming years, Weir Mill will be a simple train/tram ride away soon enough.
Stunning refurbished Victorian villa goes on market in sought-after Stockport suburb for £2.35m
Emily Sergeant
Fancy a look behind the doors of an expertly refurbished Victorian villa currently on the market in one of Stockport’s most sought-after suburbs?
The only thing is, you’ll just need a cool £2.35 million before you can call it yours.
Of course, it goes without saying that the vast majority of people reading this article won’t have £2.35 million just sitting in their bank accounts right now, but if like us, you love having a nosy inside houses you can’t afford in places you’ll probably never live, then allow us to introduce you to this absolute beauty.
This is Brownsville House – by far one of the finest properties the Greater Manchester housing market has to offer at the moment.
This is Brownsville House, in one of Stockport’s most sought-after suburbs / Credit: Jackson-Stops
Built in 1868, estate agents describe Brownsville House as being a ‘modern classic in a Victorian frame’, as it’s a true credit to the current owners that the home feels elevated in every sense of the word.
Situated at the end of a private driveway on a prestigious tree-lined road in Heaton Moor – one of Stockport‘s most sought-after suburbs, loved by families for being close to amenities, good local schools, and connections to Manchester city centre – this five-bedroom semi is has retained so many ornate period features throughout, while still potentially being one of the most stunningly refurbished homes in a very long time.
Just some of the stand-out features this incredible property boasts include soaring proportions, panel mouldings, a grand staircase, stained glass, Ted Todd cashmere herringbone flooring, and an utterly stunning bespoke kitchen.
The property is just as stunning outside as it is in / Credit: Jackson-Stops
The property has five bedrooms set over two storeys, including a principal suite with oak-framed wardrobes and an amber marble vanity, as well a number of pristine bathrooms with antique bronze and nickel finishes.
Stepping outside, you’ll find manicured lawns, a terrace with an open fireplace in the centre, the original summer house – which is now a study – and off-road parking for several vehicles.
Brownsville House is currently on the market with Alderley Edge-based estate agents, Jackson-Stops, for a Guide Price of £2.35 million, and if you fancy taking a closer look, then you can contact the property company to arrange a viewing.
Or you could just take the cheaper route instead and have a nosy on Rightmove HERE.
Featured Image – Jackson-Stops
Property
‘Rare and glamorous’ 1930s house in Salford given Grade II listing
Daisy Jackson
A ‘rare and glamorous’ house in Salford has caught the attention of Historic England, who’ve given it a Grade II listing.
The beautiful 1930s home is in the Streamlined Moderne design, a predecessor to mid-century modern but with a lot of style similarities.
From its arched doorways and parquet floors, to its lavish wall panelling and coloured glass, the home has barely changed since it was designed.
And now, Historic England has taken steps to protect the home for future generations, advising the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) that it be added to the National Heritage List for England.
Now given Grade II listed status, the home has formally been recognised for its rare design and its probable connection to renowned local architect Joseph Sunlight (yes, he of Sunlight House fame).
26 Old Hall Road in Broughton Park, Salford, was built in 1935 and is a striking example of the international Streamlined Moderne style, with a largely intact 1930s interior.
Design features include a dramatic double-height entrance hall, sweeping staircase and balconied gallery, plus wide, arched sliding doors that allow the main rooms to be combined into a single space, in keeping with the free-flowing planning associated with the Modern Movement.
The distinctive front door of the home in Salford. Credit: Historic England Archive, Alun BullBeautiful Streamlined Moderne design inside. Credit: Historic England Archive, Alun BullThe Grade II-listed Salford home has probable connections to Joseph Sunlight. Credit: Historic England Archive, Alun Bull
Historic England has said it’s a ‘notable regional example’ of the Streamlined Moderne style, which was made popular through architectural journals and exhibitions such as the 1934 Empire Exhibition.
As well as the remarkable design features, there are original domestic features like bell pushes and a service bell board in the butler’s pantry, which once summoned staff to different rooms of the house.
As for the Joseph Sunlight connection – the celebrated Manchester-based architect and property developer designed hundreds of houses in the nearby Sedgley Park estate, as well as the South Manchester synagogue in Fallowfield (1913) and the Art Deco office block Sunlight House in Manchester city centre (1932).
Although the architect of 26 Old Hall Road is not formally documented, its design quality and Sunlight’s dominant local presence make him the most likely candidate.
Tom Frater, Regional Director – North Historic England, said: “26 Old Hall Road is a rare and glamorous survival of the Streamlined Moderne style in a suburban setting that has changed remarkably little since the 1930s.
“Its listing recognises both its outstanding design and its probable connection to one of Manchester’s most inventive inter-war architects, Joseph Sunlight.”
Councillor Hannah Robinson-Smith, Lead Member for Culture, Sports Heritage and Leisure, added: “We are supportive that Historic England has granted 26 Old Hall Road Grade II listed status. It will help to ensure that its unique character is protected for future generations.”