A huge project to transform part of Stockport into a new neighbourhood has taken a big step forward this week.
The £60m restoration project will see the historic Weir Mill turned into a community of 250 apartments, plus independent bars, restaurants, cafes and shops.
The project comes from developers Capital&Centric, who have also been behind major developments like Crusader Mill and Kampus in Manchester city centre.
It’s part of wider transformation plans in Stockport town centre, totalling around £1 billion.
A major milestone will be reached next month, when work on the site finally begins – a contractor (Sisk) has been appointed and funding is in place from Stockport Council and Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC).
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When work completes in 2024, there’ll be apartments in both the Grade II-listed mill building, and two new-build blocks.
Adam Higgins, co-founder of Capital&Centric said: “Weir Mill has been a constant presence in Stockport, with parts of the buildings dating back to the 1700s. Now it’s set to be the main character in the town’s next storyline.
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Plans for Weir Mill in Stockport. Credit: Capital & Centric
“You really feel the rich heritage when you’re stood on site, we knew from day one we needed to honour that with something properly special. The neighbourhood will be just that, with new public squares, foodie hangouts and tranquil green spots. Not only a top place to live, but a visitor pull for Stockport.
“There’s no doubt, it’s a turbulent time at the moment, but we’re ploughing on. It’s creative neighbourhoods like this that will propel the region’s recovery. We’re itching to get on site in the coming weeks.”
Plans for Weir Mill in Stockport. Credit: Capital & Centric
Lord Bob Kerslake, Chair of the Stockport MDC, said: “This is another fantastic example of the momentum and pace of transformation being achieved in Stockport thanks to a can do attitude and collaboration across the board. We’re delivering on what the MDC set out to do, create long-term inclusive growth by transforming the town with new homes, jobs and sustainable communities.
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“Weir Mill will be a catalytic site that will drastically improve the whole area, located just a stone’s throw from the Interchange. Particularly against the current volatility of the construction industry, this is a major achievement to get such as vision fully funded, with a respected contractor appointed and work set to start.”
The vision in Stockport has always been to deliver a community with an identity true to Stockport’s independent scene, not an identikit of other high streets. Weir Mill will include loads of lush outdoor spaces for people to spend time, creating a laid back riverside vibe while celebrating the site’s industrial past.
Alan Rodger, managing director at Sisk’s UK North division, said: “The redevelopment of Weir Mill is a key building block in the transformation of Stockport and we are delighted to be working with Capital & Centric to bring it back to life. Sisk has a strong track record in the Northwest of delivering some great projects that bring life back to our cities and towns while retaining the link with the architecture of our industrial past.”
Featured image: Capital & Centric
Stockport
Entire Blossoms band rock up to independent takeaway for ‘best sandwiches in Manchester’
Daisy Jackson
Blossoms have hailed a Manchester takeaway as having the ‘best sandwiches’ in town.
The Stockport band popped in – all five of them – to Ad Maiora in the Northern Quarter, to sample one of their authentic Italian sandwiches.
Ad Maiora shared a picture of the five-piece outside their Tib Street sandwich shop, saying it was a ‘special’ moment to have the band visit.
The humble sandwich business started life in the apartment of Sardinian couple Daniela Steri and Enrico Pinna, who quit their jobs to dedicate their lives to sandwiches.
It then expanded to open its first proper site in February last year, where they create beautiful butties with freshly-baked schiacciata – a Tuscan flatbread – and top-quality Italian ingredients.
It’s not just Blossoms who have fallen for Ad Maiora’s incredible food.
The sandwich business is also a firm favourite with several Manchester City stars, including Erling Haaland, who even has a sandwich on the menu named after him.
Blossoms hailed Ad Maiora as having the ‘best sandwiches in Manchester’. Credit: The Manc Group
They’ve had several visits from Pep Guardiola, too, while he was manager of Man City.
Sharing the picture of Blossoms, Ad Maiora wrote: “A special visit from Stockport’s finest.
“It was an absolute pleasure welcoming @blossomsband to Ad Maiora for some proper Italian schiacciata!”
Blossoms commented to say: “I migliori panini di Manchester!! Grazie mille ragazzi” – which translates as: “Best sandwiches in Manchester!! Thank you so much guys.”
Stockport man admits to drugging and raping his wife without her knowledge for more than 20 years
Emily Sergeant
A man in his 60s from Stockport has admitted drugging and raping his wife in a ‘horrific’ 20-year campaign of abuse.
According to Greater Manchester Police (GMP), the man – who cannot be identified in order to protect the life-long anonymity of the victim – previously admitted five counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault, six counts of assault by penetration, and one count of sharing intimate photos or film.
And now, during an appearance at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court yesterday (14 September), he pleaded guilty to a further 45 charges.
This makes it 60 charges in total the man has now pleaded guilty to.
Some of the charges he pleaded guilty to yesterday include a further 16 counts of rape, nine counts of assault by penetration, seven counts of sexual assault, and four counts of attempted rape, amongst several others.
Speaking following the court appearance yesterday, GMP’s Assistant Chief Constable, Rick Jackson, said: “Our focus remains on supporting the victim of this horrific campaign of abuse through what is a very complex investigation.
“Specialist support continues to be provided to the victim at the centre of this case.
“If you are concerned you or someone you know may be affected by drug-facilitated sexual abuse, please know that you do not need proof, certainty, or a clear memory to be taken seriously.
“You are not expected to understand exactly what has happened or who was involved in order to be taken seriously. If you feel that something has happened, then please report it or ask for help.”
GMP reiterates that anyone who does choose to report sexual abuse does not need a full account or clear memory, can share as much or as little as they feel able, and will be supported by trained officers, as their ‘immediate’ safety and wellbeing will be the ‘priority’.
They may also speak to a support organisation first and decide later whether to involve police.
Saint Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre – Services are available on a 24-hour basis, and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515.
Greater Manchester Rape Crisis – Call on 0161 273 4500 or email [email protected]
Daisy Jackson -
27th May 2022 
