Weir Mill, a major new neighbourhood in Stockport, has reached a milestone this week, with its towering 14-storey apartment block reaching its full height.
The £60m transformation of the area beneath the viaduct in the town centre is being taken on by social impact developers Capital & Centric, who plan build 253 design-led apartments, as well as green outdoor space, independent bars, restaurants and shops.
Capital & Centric are already receiving interest from indie operators for the commercial spaces, ahead of kick-starting their hunt in the new year.
Weir Mill will bring life back to historic mill buildings that date all the way back to the 1700s.
It will form a major destination in Stockport’s Town Centre West masterplan, a 130-acre regeneration district which will include 4,000 new homes, local amenities, green spaces, workspace, and transport improvements.
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To celebrate Weir Mill reaching its full height, members of Stockport Council and the Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation, along with local young people from the not-for-profit Regeneration Brainery bootcamp, were invited for a tour of the site.
Views from the top of the tallest apartment block look all the way across Stockport and beyond to the Peak District, with the towers of Manchester city centre visible too.
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The development is being built right on the banks of the River Mersey and beside the city’s iconic red-brick viaduct, a stone’s-throw from the train station.
Stockport has in recent years been named as one of the best places to buy your first home, as well as getting a name-check in the Sunday Times’ coveted Best Places To Live annual round-up.
Adam Higgins, from Capital&Centric, said: “Weir Mill is such a historic site but it was in need of some major TLC. Since day one, our mission has been to restore and repurpose the stunning heritage buildings and create a destination neighbourhood that furthers Stockport’s standing as one of the best places to live and spend time. Not only are we well underway with delivering more design-led homes at a key brownfield site, we’re also on with creating outdoor hangouts and food and drink spaces that will all be open to the public and help draw a crowd into the town centre.
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“Reaching the highest point is a massive moment and a visible sign of the change that’s happening here. It’s a privilege to give a glimpse of what’s happening on site given much of it has been shrouded in scaffolding for months. It really is a testament to the level of collaboration underway with the Council and MDC – with a shared desire to see Stockport create an identity it can be proud of for years to come.”
Weir Mill in Stockport. Credit: Capital & Centric
More than 150 people are now working to deliver the project, with significant focus on preserving and celebrating the original features of the historic Grade II listed landmark.
Cllr Mark Hunter, from Stockport Council, said: “This is a huge achievement and testament to the drive and ambition of everyone involved to bring this historic building back to life and greatly improve this area of the town centre, providing much needed, good quality homes.
“The pace at which change is happening across the town centre is quite staggering, with work at the nearby Transport Interchange and new urban park due for completion next year, it’s a really exciting time for Stockport.”
Eamonn Boylan, Interim Chair of Stockport MDC, said: “The structural completion of the new residential blocks for the Weir Mill development puts us another step closer to delivering the 4,000 new homes that our regeneration masterplan will achieve.
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Weir Mill in Stockport. Credit: Capital & Centric
“The latest chapter in our town centre’s £1billion transformation, Weir Mill is setting a new benchmark for brownfield regeneration. One that celebrates and reinvigorates the town’s industrial infrastructure and heritage for a new age, in turn delivering essential new homes, creating a new cultural and leisure district and enhancing connectivity in the town centre.
“As we look ahead to 2024, which will see the completion of a major new transport hub alongside amenities and new public realm, Stockport is undoubtedly on track to becoming one of the best connected and most liveable towns in the UK.”
The topping out ceremony at Weir Mill. Credit: Capital & CentricThe topping out ceremony at Weir Mill.
Once complete the £60m Weir Mill project will feature:
Chestergate and King Street West: A new gateway into the town centre, with ground floor spaces for independent shops, cafes or delis and plenty of lush greenery.
Water Front: A new public space looking out across the River Mersey, providing a place for riverside chilling in the evening sun.
Weir Mill East: Sensitively designed new buildings featuring a mix of homes, drawing inspiration from the site’s manufacturing history.
Weavers Square: What will become the heart of the scheme and a new destination for Stockport. The old cast iron columns of Weavers Shed are being retained to create a vibrant new outdoor space for riverside street markets, DJ sets, live music events and performing arts.
West Shed: A striking indoor space with exposed brick vaulted arches and cast-iron columns, creating a relaxed space to take your laptop, grab a coffee and while away the day.
West Courtyard: The former working courtyard to the mills, this will be a quieter, more contemplative garden space for residents and the general public to chill out, with plants, trees and secluded spaces to explore, as well as amenities for residents including rooftop terrace, BBQs and private dining spaces.
Anita Street has often been branded the most Instagrammable street in Manchester, thanks to its pretty red brick homes and cobbled, pedestrianised street.
It’s only a few tens of metres long though, so it’s not every day that you see a property here pop up on Rightmove.
At the minute there’s a three-bed pad, which has actually been converted into an apartment, up for grabs for £340k.
The property is quite literally spitting distance from some of the best bars and restaurants in the region, whether it’s the Michelin-star Mana, the ever-popular Rudy’s pizza, or the brand new deli serving one of the city’s best meal deals.
Anita Street in Ancoats is one of the most sought-after in Manchester. Credit: The Manc GroupAnita Street in Ancoats is one of the most sought-after in Manchester. Credit: The Manc Group
Listed with Purplebricks, the apartment is described as being ‘in a picturesque street in the heart of Ancoats’.
It might be in a trendy suburb now but back in the late 1800s Anita Street would have been at the heart of the city’s industrial boom.
It’s also the first example of Manchester houses with toilets and sinks inside – and so used to be called Sanitary Street.
A house on Anita Street is up for sale. Credit: PurplebricksA house on Anita Street is up for sale. Credit: Purplebricks
Residents in the 60s didn’t like the connotations so the ‘S’ was dropped from the start and the ‘ry’ from the end, and it became Anita Street.
Nowadays, residential properties around Ancoats are almost entirely apartment buildings, making this row of terraces even more of a sought-after gem.
10 hot properties for sale in Greater Manchester | July 2024
Emily Sergeant
Every month, we show you some of the hottest properties currently on the market in Greater Manchester.
It’s safe to say that Mancunians love a good nosey around other peoples’ houses, and after all, Greater Manchester is a brilliant place to live.
But what can your money currently get you in the area?
In our monthly Hot Property series, we scour the internet to find 10 more of the most diverse, jaw-dropping, accessible, and beautifully-presented homes currently on the market in Greater Manchester for you to take a look at.
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Anita Street
Ancoats, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M4
Purplebricks
Anita Street / Credit: Purplebricks
Apartment | x3 Bedrooms | x1 Bathroom
How would you like to live on one of Manchester’s most iconic streets?
Situated on Ancoats’ famous Anita Street, with an unrivalled wealth of local independent shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars literally just a stone’s throw away in the city centre, as well as convenient transport links across Greater Manchester, is this three-bedroom apartment that’s immaculately presented throughout and ready to move straight into.
With light and spacious accommodations throughout, this charming period property presents a brilliant opportunity for first time buyers and young professionals to own a piece of local history.
Anita Street / Credit: Purplebricks
The property is currently on the market with the UK’s leading online estate agents Purplebricks, covering Manchester, for £340,000.
Situated on a quiet street in one of Salford’s most highly-sought-after residential areas, with plenty of amenities, good local schooling options, and convenient transport links into Manchester city centre and beyond, right on the doorstep, is this three-bedroom end terraced home that’s beautifully-presented throughout and ideal for first time buyer and downsizers alike.
Estate agents describe the property as being “deceptively spacious” and having been “lovingly maintained” by the current owners.
As well as boasting spacious and modern living spaces internally – including two double bedrooms – when you step outside the property, you’ll find attractive gardens both to the front and rear, which are larger than average.
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Vicars Hall Lane / Credit: Cowell & Norford
The property is currently on the market with Rochdale-based independent estate agents Cowell & Norford for £275,000 (Offers Over).
This stunning detached dormer bungalow occupies a prime position on an attractive tree-lined street in the popular Trafford residential area of Flixton, and not only has easy access to a wide range of amenities, schooling options, and transport links in the nearby Urmston town centre, but is also described as being “superbly presented” by estate agents.
The current vendors have spared no expense renovating the property, and have completely transformed the spacious interior throughout their ownership – going on to add extensions, dormers, and a wealth of unique touches.
As well as the immaculately-presented interior, externally, the property boasts well-maintained gardens to the front and rear, as well as off-road driveway parking.
Lulworth Avenue / Credit: Trading Places
The property is currently on the market with the Urmston-based independent estate agents Trading Places for £525,000 (Offers Over).
Described by estate agents as “exuding a sense of warmth and comfort” and being “a true gem” of the area is this three-bedroom semi situated in the ever-popular Wigan area of Winstanley, with plenty of local amenities just a short distance away, as well as excellent schooling options, and convenient public transport and motorway links across Greater Manchester and beyond.
The property has been modernised throughout by the current owners, boasts spacious accommodations, and is presented to a high standard, meaning it’s ready to move straight into and is ideal for growing families of all sizes.
Externally, there are easy-to-maintain gardens both to the front and rear of the property, as well off-road driveway parking to the front.
Tarrant Close / Credit: Alan Batt Estate Agents
The property is currently on the market with Wigan-based independent estate agents Alan Batt Estate Agents for £240,000 (Offers in Excess of).
Old Road, Mottram, Hyde, Tameside, Greater Manchester, SK14
Cowell & Norford
The Croft / Credit: Cowell & Norford
Detached | x4 Bedrooms | x5 Bathrooms
This is by far one of the most stunning properties currently on the market in Greater Manchester.
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Now on the market for the first time in nearly 50 years, The Croft occupies a coveted plot on Old Road in Mottram – which is one Tameside’s most affluent and highly-desired residential areas, thanks to its semi-rural location while still being nearby to amenities, local schools, and transport links across the region – and is said to be an “extremely rare” family home.
This stunning detached family property may be steeped in history and boast a wealth of original and period features too, but it has also being lovingly-restored, updated, and modernised by the current owners over the years.
Not only is the property set within truly-beautiful and substantial secure gated grounds, but it also boasts a double garage and ample off-road parking for several vehicles.
The Croft / Credit: Cowell & Norford
The property is currently on the market with with Rochdale-based independent estate agents Cowell & Norford for £1,285,000.
Built back in 2012, this bespoke six-bedroom detached family home is situated in the highly-sought-after Stockport area of Bramhall, and boasts more than 7,000 sq ft of luxurious and beautifully-crafted living space set over three floors.
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As well as being an attractive prospect for many buyers, thanks to its close proximity to all the amenities, schooling options, and transport links on offer in Bramhall and Stockport town, estate agents say this property showcases “exceptional quality and craftsmanship”, as it combines spacious reception rooms and bedrooms with bespoke features such as block and beam flooring and gas-fired underfloor heating throughout.
The property benefits from having a large private south-facing garden backing onto Bramhall Golf Course to the rear, and a double integral garage and off-road driveway parking to the front.
Pownall Avenue / Credit: Mosley Jarman
The property is currently on the market with Bramhall-based independent estate agents Mosley Jarman for £3.5 million.
Holly Grove, Dobcross, Saddleworth, Oldham, Greater Manchester, OL3
Ryder & Dutton
Hollingreave / Credit: Ryder & Dutton
End Terraced Cottage | x3 Bedrooms | x1 Bathroom
Estimated to have been built in the mid-18th century, the Grade ll-listed Hollingreave in the sought-after hamlet of Holly Grove – which is close to Uppermill and Dobcross – is one of the finest examples of a weavers style cottage in Saddleworth.
Internally, this stunning property has retained much of its original character and period charm, yet has still be lovingly-updated for modern-day living needs, while externally, there are well-maintained lawned gardens surrounding it from three side, and even canal and countryside walks on the doorstep, as well convenient access to the picturesque Peak District National Park nearby.
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Estate agents say this property needs to be viewed by prospective buyers to be fully appreciated for everything it has to offer.
Hollingreave / Credit: Ryder & Dutton
The property is currently on the market with the Uppermill branch of local independent estate agents Ryder & Dutton for £520,000.
Chorley New Road, Heaton, Bolton, Greater Manchester, BL1
Burton James
Rosello / Credit: Burton James
Detached | x7 Bedrooms | x7 Bathrooms
Ruscello is described by estate agents as being an “incredibly spacious” seven-bedroom detached family home tucked away from view in Heaton – which is one of Bolton’s most-popular and sought-after residential areas, thanks to it having easy access to the town centre and transport links across Greater Manchester, as well as a wide range of amenities, schooling options, and green spaces being nearby.
Boasting immaculate and lovingly-modernised living spaces internally, as well as a separate wing / annexe, this property promises its new owners endless possibilities to make it a generational property that will serve their family for decades to come.
Externally, the property is located on a desirable 0.7-acre plot of well-maintained land, with lots of opportunity to extend, and has plenty of off-road driveway parking for several vehicles.
Rosello / Credit: Burton James
The property is currently on the market with Bury-based independent estate agents Burton James for £1.45 million.
Fancy owning a bespoke property in one of Bury’s best-loved neighbourhoods that has been designed and finished to the highest of standards throughout?
Well, now could be your chance.
Occupying an enviable position on a popular road in Holcombe Brook, with a wide range of amenities on offer in the nearby Ramsbottom town, and several good local schools and convenient transport links also just a short distance away, The Grange may look brand-new, but it is in fact a 1920s home with period features that has been completely transformed by a highly-respected local building firm and is now a prime example of modern living.
As well as boasting bright and spacious open-plan living accommodations throughout – with the stunning kitchen / diner / living room being a particular stand-out – the property also benefits from plenty of off-road driveway parking and a large landscaped rear garden.
The Grange / Credit: Burton James
The property is currently on the market with Bury-based independent estate agents Burton James for £1.3 million.
Dating all the way back to 1277, and having previously had various reincarnations during its impressive history before becoming what it is today, the Grade ll-listed Stubley Hall is a truly stunning nine-bedroom detached residence in the popular semi-rural Rochdale town of Littleborough has been painstakingly-upgraded by the current vendors to create one of the North West’s most prestigious manor houses.
Internally, you’ll find most of the spacious living accommodations have been updated for modern-day living, however plenty of the property’s period features have still been retained – such as original windows, exposed beams, and roaring open fireplaces.
Externally, the property sits within around an acre of enviably-magnificent grounds.
Estate agents say this is one of the most “charming” properties currently on the market within the whole of Greater Manchester.
Stubley Hall / Credit: Fine & Country
The property is currently on the market with the Ribble Valley branch of national prestige property company, Fine & Country, for £3.4 million.