News

Developers submit plans for Underbanks regeneration schemes

Developers behind town centre co-working space Profolk, Hall & Co, have submitted plans for a mix of residential and commercial property schemes in Stockport town centre.

Hall & Co plan to bring a mixture of 86 apartments alongside flexible workspaces to ‘breathe life’ into the Underbanks neighbourhood of Stockport town centre. The family-run developers, based in Alderley Edge, recently completed a conversion of the Grade II listed Bank Chambers into the town centre’s Profolk – Stockport’s first dedicated co-working space.

The Underbanks area of the town centre is currently undergoing significant investment from Stockport Council to improve the public realm. Hall & Co intend to redevelop four vacant sites with new buildings, offering ground floor commercial space for independent retail and expansion of the Profolk brand, as well as high-quality town centre living on the upper floors. Designed by Manchester based architects, Ollier Smurthwaite, apartment designs are sympathetic to new demands from homebuyers brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic. Communal roof gardens and semi-private planted courtyards will provide outside space for residents, and upper floor apartments will include Winter gardens, that can function as balconies, dining spaces or home offices. Jamie Hall, project director at Hall & Co Property, said: “Stockport has seen significant investment in recent months and the regeneration of the Underbanks is an important part of that wider picture. It’s home to an eclectic mix of independents and has a lot of historical significance, which has made it a popular destination. “The sites we’ll be redeveloping are all under-used and in need of extensive redevelopment – the works will improve the area aesthetically while helping to encourage footfall. It’s fantastic to be able to invest further in Stockport, supporting a thriving town centre.”

“The sites we’ll be redeveloping are all under-used and in need of extensive redevelopment – the works will improve the area aesthetically while helping to encourage footfall “

Free Christmas Parking!

It has been announced that week-day street parking and parking in council-run car parks in Stockport Town Centre will be free after 2pm over the festive period.

This will run from Monday 14th to Friday 31st December and will include both Merseyway and Redrock car parks.

Parking at weekends and prior to 2pm will be subject to the standard charges. Does not apply to parking at Stockport Exchange.

The White Lion scoops award for housing conversion

The transformation of the former White Lion pub in Stockport town centre has been awarded the prize for Best Change of Use of an Existing Building at the LABC Building Excellence Awards for the North West. The LABC (Local Authority Building Control) represents all local authority building control teams in England and Wales.

The White Lion, a Grade II listed former pub on Great Underbank in Stockport, was transformed last year and is now home to eleven one and two bedroomed apartments, following a £2.4m investment by Trafford Housing Trust under the Laurus Homes brand, in partnership with Stockport Council.

Sean Dooley, Project Manager at Trafford Housing Trust, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to receive this award, which recognises the quality of the build and the care that was taken to transform it from a pub that had been derelict for 10 years to one of Stockport’s most desirable addresses. “We were very keen to recognise the building’s original identity and preserve its history, so it was sympathetically restored. The grand staircase, original glass and unique turret room have all been preserved and finished in a modern design, whilst the original pub sign has also been incorporated into the development, giving a nod to the past and its former life.”

The renovation of the White Lion forms part of the council’s £7 million investment in the Underbanks and Market Place to transform this unique and important part of Stockport Town Centre.

Cllr David Meller, Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration at Stockport Council, said: “This is fantastic news – the hard work that has gone into bringing this historic building back to life and transforming it into one of the most sought after residential locations in Stockport town centre, has quite rightly, been recognised by external experts. “Thank you to everyone involved in this fantastic project and helping local people find homes which they can be proud of.” First granted a licence in the 14th century, the White Lion was originally a popular coaching inn on the main route in and out of Stockport and close to the only crossing point of the Mersey at Lancashire Bridge. The pub was rebuilt several times over the centuries and was re-fronted in a mock Tudor black and white style in 1823. The last major remodelling took place in 1904-06, giving the building its distinctive features it still carries today.

TPD move into the Three Shires

Stockport-based financial planning firm TPD Wealth Management has relocated into one of Stockport’s oldest listed buildings, 30 Great Underbank, otherwise known as the Three Shires.

The announcement for TPD Wealth Management comes at a time where the grade II listed building has faced an extended vacancy following the previous tenant’s decision to move their business from the Stockport area, ending 140 years of legal office use. Estimated to have been built during the 15th or 16th Century according to a heritage statement commissioned by the current landlord – it is thought to be Stockport’s second oldest building.

Lifelong Stockport resident and one of TPD Wealth Management’s directors, Tim Widdowson said: “The move into this long-standing heritage site at the heart of our community not only represents the next step for our firm, but begins the next chapter of this medieval building’s unique history – to say we’re are excited to take up residency here is a massive understatement! We look forward to welcoming our clients and their families to a rather unique office warming event when it is safe to do so.”