Plans submitted for Heaton Norris apartments

Plans have been submitted for the construction of a scheme over 50 apartments in Heaton Norris between the railway line and A6 off Stitch Lane on the site including the former LNWR Engine House.

Developers, Promised Way, plan to build a new 52-apartment eight-storey cylindrical block on the half-acre brownfield site, and convert the grade II listed engine house, currently used as an electrical substation, into one two- and one three-bedroom home.

The engine house, built by the London Northwestern Railway (LNWR) in the mid-nineteenth century, was converted to be used as a substation in 1975, and sits next to a former LNWR goods warehouse, now used as a self-storage facility. Developers argue that the change of use for the building for residential use will help preserve the grade II listed structure from further decay.

The new 52-home apartment building will comprise a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom homes. The ground floor properties will also boast a private garden, with other apartments constructed with balconies and a rooftop communal space. The property also benefits from being 300 metres from Heaton Norris Park, which developers argue justifies the reduced amount of green space for residents on the site.

The scheme’s distinctive cylindrical shape, designed by Stockport-based architects PZvi, aims to see the building act as a landmark and gateway to the town centre. Bicycle storage and only limited private car parking will be provided for residents, given the property’s location close to regular bus links with Manchester city centre on Wellington Road North and being in walking distance of Stockport town centre and rail links from Heaton Chapel station.