Cityheart secures planning approval for flexible workspace at Stopford Park

Regeneration specialist Cityheart has been granted planning permission to deliver new flexible workspace, Cheers & Smith, on Greek Street as part of its delivery of the Stopford Park neighbourhood.

Located next to the War Memorial Art Gallery, Stopford Park will create 442 new homes, a landscaped ‘Art Park’ and new public realm, bringing colour, creativity and community to the heart of the town centre. The first apartments are due to be released for sale in early 2026.

Cheers & Smith, Cityheart’s own coworking brand, will occupy the Grade II listed former Metropolitan Girls’ School building, reimagining it as a dynamic, flexible workspace designed to support local enterprise and collaboration. Contractors BAR Preservation and Oak Construction Projects will undertake the refurbishment, retaining the building in its original configuration albeit with minor internal interventions.

Project 3 Architects has designed the scheme, with landscape architect Layer leading on the public realm. The supporting consultant team includes Renaissance, Crookes Walker Consulting and BB7 Fire Engineering.

Sheila Bird Studio, the interior design partner for Stopford Park, is leading the design for Cheers & Smith. Based in Manchester, the interior and place-branding studio has worked closely with Cityheart to reflect their vision and create a space that energises, uplifts and shapes culture.

The refurbishment works are due to commence this Autumn and complete ready for businesses to move in, in 12 months’ time. Across the neighbourhood, an ever-changing canvas of uniquely commissioned works by local artists will bring energy and imagination to the new Art Park. 

Planning approval for the Cheers & Smith workspace represents another key milestone in the wider Stopford Park project, which continues Cityheart’s long-term commitment to the transformation of Stockport town centre. The town is in the midst of an incredible transformation, with more than £1 billion of public and private investment helping to reshape Stockport’s retail, leisure and residential offer.

With a gross development value over £120 million, Stopford Park will be the largest purpose-built apartment development in Stockport, forming part of the 130-acre Town Centre West regeneration district, driven forward by the Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation.

Greg Ball, Development Director at Cityheart, said:

“We’re making great progress at Stopford Park and this milestone is another exciting step on that journey. Cheers & Smith will bring real energy back into this much-loved building. It’s a space that has always been about creativity and collaboration, and now it has the chance to be exactly that again.”

Jon Humphreys, Creative Director and co-owner of Sheila Bird Studio, said:

“This milestone isn’t just about restoring a building; it’s about reigniting its spirit. Cheers & Smith has always carried the energy of the makers who came before, and now it’s ready for a new generation to leave their mark. The vision is to let its history guide its rebirth, to create a space that feels alive with ideas, collaboration, and the kind of raw creative energy that built Stockport in the first place.”

Leader of Stockport Council, Cllr Mark Roberts, said:

“Our UK-leading town centre regeneration is about more than building new homes, it’s about breathing new life into Stockport’s heritage and giving our historic buildings a future. Cheers & Smith is a brilliant example of that. This much-loved landmark will once again buzz with creativity and collaboration, bringing people together and creating opportunities for local entrepreneurs, freelancers and businesses. It’s fantastic to see another of our heritage assets being reimagined for the 21st century as part of a town centre that offers a true mix of homes, jobs and leisure, along with better healthcare and transport links to benefit everyone across our borough.”