New tenant announced for Stockport Market Produce Hall

Stockport Council have appointed restaurateur Steve Pilling as the preferred tenant for Stockport Market Produce Hall and 28/29 Market Place. 

Following a rigorous selection process, Mr Pilling was announced as the preferred anchor tenant to help transform the area into a must-visit destination that will attract visitors to the Market Place in significant numbers.

Stockport Market Produce Hall

With over 30 years culinary experience running award winning restaurants – such as Damson, Dockyard, La Cantina, Roost, Sam’s Chop House and Athenaeum – the Council said that Mr Pilling’s application clearly demonstrated how his vision and plans for both the Produce Hall and 28/29 Market Place will truly transform the area: “His submissions were built upon a strong financial foundation and wealth of proven success, giving the Council confidence that the plans will be both transformational, successful and financially sustainable for the future.”

Stockport Council confirmed that assessment of each submission was made solely against a series of publicised criteria and on the strength of the application alone. “Each submission was thoroughly evaluated by a panel made up of representatives from the Council and local business community, followed by an interview. The recommendation made by this panel was unanimous.”

On 14th November, Stockport Council’s Cabinet gave their full support to the submissions made for the buildings by Steve Pilling and granted approval to begin formal lease negotiations with him.

A statement from the Council said:

Mr Pilling’s submission demonstrated significant strengths over the others in achieving the Council’s stated aim of transformation. We now hope to work with the other applicants to try to find them a place for their proposed offer in Stockport, as we want to see them succeed in our town and believe they have an important part to play in improving the food and drink offer in Stockport.

At the same time, we are working closely with Pure who will be moving their café into premises on Prince’s Street in the New Year, where they can grow and benefit from the opportunities that Redrock will bring them. We will also continue to work with and support the three businesses currently in the Produce Hall helping them to have a more successful future elsewhere within the Market Place.

Councillor Kate Butler, Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration stated:

“We’ve been working hard to ensure the Market Place is a key feature of our plans for town centre regeneration. We are serious about unlocking the potential of the whole area to see it thrive and become a must-visit destination both locally and from further afield. Offering long-term leases on Stockport Market Produce Hall and 28/29 Market Place is central to our ambitions and will allow these much loved, council-owned premises to play a significant role in drawing visitors in to shop, relax and enjoy the unique charm and character of Stockport’s beautiful historic core.

“From a field of very strong applicants we chose the bidder who most clearly demonstrated a sound, sustainable and transformational offer. We look forward to working with Steve Pilling in what will be a new exciting chapter in the life of Stockport’s treasured Market Place.”

As part of the investment in regenerating the town centre, Stockport Council have a £7 million investment programme underway in the Market Place and Underbanks.