Green light given for four Underbanks regeneration schemes

Developers, Hall & Co, have been granted planning permission to go ahead with the regeneration of four sites in the Underbanks area of Stockport town centre.

The project is the family-run developer’s second in the town centre after they restored the Grade II listed Bank Chambers into 9 apartments and ground-floor co-working space, Profolk.

Hall & Co will redevelop four vacant sites on Underbanks delivering ground-floor retail space aimed at independent retailers, an expansion to the Profolk coworking space, and an incubator Lab for start-up businesses. Upper levels of the properties will offer dual-aspect living set around private green spaces. To reflect changing requirements for housing following the pandemic, each apartment will feature ‘winter gardens’ that can function as a balcony, dining or home office space. Communal roof gardens will provide space for community events, relaxing or admiring the view of the historic rooftops and views beyond.

One of the four buildings will be developed solely as affordable housing.

Andrew Hall Director at Hall & Co, said:

“We have worked tirelessly for three years to achieve this consent, with the cooperation and guidance of the planners, the regeneration team and Historic England. We believe this is an exemplary scheme and will be of the highest standards, which is a tribute to both our internal and professional Team. We are proud to be able to deliver this scheme, and will take continued ownership of a further investment of £15m into Stockport, supporting what will be a thriving Conservation Area.”

Hall & Co worked closely with the council to ensure proposals for the four sites can sit comfortably alongside existing heritage assets in Stockport.

The scheme adds to ongoing work to revitalise the town centre that is being carried out by Stockport Council. Work to improve the public realm in the Underbanks and Market Place areas of the town completed earlier this year. The Underbanks continues to grow in popularity, driven by the sensitive restoration of several properties which are now home to a diverse range of independents.

Cllr David Meller, Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration at Stockport Council, said:

“Stockport is continuing to attract private investment from a variety of different businesses, which shows real confidence in our ambitious plans for the town centre.

“These new schemes will attract more people to the area, creating quality homes and new business premises and adding to the overall vibrancy of the area. We made a commitment to bring this historic area back to life and with a raft of new businesses moving to the area, we have done just that. The scheme will also expand the already successful Profolk, providing additional, highly sought after flexible co-working space.

“These new premises will further complement the revitalised Market Place and Underbanks, new Transport Interchange, Stockport Exchange and Merseyway, making Stockport a great place to live, work, play and connect.”

Hall & Co has been supported by Ollier Smurthwaite Architects, Broadgrove Planning and Development, Bell Munro Consulting and Paul Butler Associates. Primas Law acted for Hall & Co for the property transaction.