A flagship scheme in the regeneration of the Town Centre West area of Stockport has been approved by Stockport Council, and will see a new residential community built along the banks of the Mersey with 18th Century Weir Mill at its heart.
Developers, CAPITAL&CENTRIC, purchased the derelict Weir Mill in 2019 with a view to deliver a high quality residential scheme on the site in the vein of similar projects delivered by the firm at other Industrial Revolution-era mills in Manchester. Proposals, put to the Council in January following an extensive public engagement process, will see 253 apartments built on the site within the existing mill, and new-build blocks either side of the Victorian viaduct.
The scheme also includes two key outdoor spaces, Weavers Square on the site of the former weaver’s shed, and the West Courtyard, that will offer space for markets and live events, and vital green space for residents of the scheme. Commercial units are proposed to provide space for independent retailers, as well as the large West Shed for use as a larger bar, restaurant or co-working space.
Despite largely positive responses to CAPITAL&CENTRIC’s public engagement process, and outdoor pop-up events held on site, heritage groups had objected to the scale of the development, arguing it would obstruct views of the iconic Victorian viaduct. Developers however argued that the scale of new-build elements of the scheme was necessary in order to make the restoration of Weir Mill financially viable.
Councillors approved the Weir Mill development during a meeting of the town’s Planning & Highways Regulation Committee, despite objections and amid concerns that a decision could be referred upwards to the Housing Minister.
Stockport Council Leader, Councillor Elise Wilson said:
“The Council rightly identified the potential of Weir Mill as a key element towards creating a new community in the heart of Stockport, attracting more people to live and work here. It is hugely rewarding to know this derelict landmark will now not only be saved but become a catalyst for wider investment and will energise this area of the town centre.
“The plans look fantastic and the commitment to high quality development will help deliver our vision to create the newest, coolest, and greenest urban neighbourhood in the city-region. Weir Mill will strengthen our appeal as a great place to live, work, play and connect and will complement our plans for improvements to Merseyway, a new transport interchange and a revitalised Underbanks.
“It also demonstrates the confidence that private sector developers like Capital&Centric have in the borough and is a great endorsement for our ongoing ambitious plans. I look forward to seeing work start on this historic site and for the widest possible benefit to be gained for the local supply chain and local businesses during construction.”
Adam Higgins, co-founder of CAPITAL&CENTRIC said:
“This is a huge moment for Stockport town centre. We’re floored with the feedback and support we’ve had for our vision for Weir Mill and can’t wait to get going. We’re going to create something very special here – celebrating the rich industrial heritage of the mill with sensitive restoration and opening the site up with great community places to hangout with lush gardens and social spaces. We plan to pack the neighbourhood with as many of the best cultural and foodie experiences we can!
“The reality is that this stunning historic mill, parts of which date back as far as the late 1700s, were at risk of being lost forever. It’s brilliant that, thanks to Stockport’s support, we can not only save Weir Mill, but make it one of the main storylines in Stockport’s next chapter.“
Construction is now expected to begin on the Weir Mill regeneration in early 2022, with CAPITAL&CENTRIC planning further pop-up events on the site as work progresses.
The £60 million scheme forms a key site within Stockport’s Town Centre West regeneration being delivered by Stockport’s Mayoral Development Corporation, and has secured £7 million in funding Housing Infrastructure Fund from Homes England.
The scheme sits alongside other key developments in the Town Centre, including the delivery of a £120 million transport interchange and park, and commercial development at Stockport Exchange, the latest phase of which was also given the green light by Stockport Council this week.