Developers, Capital & Centric, have opened their public consultation on proposals to transform Stockport’s Weir Mill into new mixed-use community.
Stockport residents are being asked to share their thoughts on proposals to redevelop the former cotton mill into up to 250 new homes and riverfront complete with space for café-bars, independent shops and public courtyards and green spaces.
Located alongside, and partly underneath, the town’s iconic viaduct, Weir Mill started off life as a water powered cotton works in the late 18th century, with the original water wheelhouse and mill building still standing today. Capital & Centric completed the purchase of Weir Mill earlier this year, and is at an early stage in working up the plans for its regeneration.
Adam Higgins, co-founder of CAPITAL&CENTRIC said:
Weir Mill is an enduring icon of Stockport’s industrial past, which even inspired local artist LS Lowry. But many of the buildings are now in a pretty bad state so we have to find a viable long term use for them or risk losing them forever. Our plan is to create a thriving new town centre community, where incredible places to live sit alongside green spaces and amenities looking out across the river.
“This isn’t just going to be a development for the people that live there, we’re creating a quiet space in the town centre where you can grab a coffee and sit by the water surrounded by some of Stockport’s best historic architecture. We want to know what you’d like to see there. This could be café-bars, delis or independent shops but we’re open to ideas. So, join the conversation and tell us what you think!”
The project is part of Stockport’s Mayoral Development Corporation’s (MDC’s) ambitious plans for the town centre. Sitting within the Town Centre West regeneration zone, the Weir Mill site will be adjacent to a brand new £120m transport interchange and is backed by £7 million of Housing Infrastructure Fund money from Homes England.
Stockport Council Leader, Councillor Elise Wilson said:
It’s great to see the plans for Weir Mill moving forward and I’d encourage local people to get involved in the consultation. CAPITAL&CENTRIC are known for their focus on creating communities so this is an opportunity for local people to come together with the developer to create something really special.
“Weir Mill will really set the scene for our ambitious plans for Town Centre West and encourage more people to visit and live in the town centre. I look forward to seeing the plans as they develop.”
Lord Bob Kerslake, Chair of the MDC said:
The redevelopment of Weir Mill will be hugely significant for Stockport’s Town Centre West. It has the potential to re-shape the area for decades to come and set a new standard for town centre living. It’s vital that we set the bar high and create something that local people can engage with and be proud of.
“CAPITAL&CENTRIC’s track record of ambitious, high-quality development makes them the ideal developer for this historic site and it’s great to see developers continuing to back Stockport as we look to Build Back Better.”
This first stage of consultation on the initial Weir Mill plans will close on 14th August 2020. Feedback will help shape the plans with a further stage of consultation after the summer. It is expected that a planning application will be submitted to Stockport Council by the end of the year.
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