Plans submitted for Weir Mill regeneration

Developers, Capital&Centric, have submitted a planning application for their regeneration of Weir Mill after a two-stage consultation on the scheme received overwhelming public support.

Plans propose two new design-led buildings which along with the existing mill buildings will how a total of 253 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, in addition to 24,000 sq ft of commercial space, to create a new riverside community in Stockport town centre.

Proposals also include 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. In light of consultation responses and the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, plans were also amended to provide balcony provision for residents and a roof terrace to maximise outdoor spaces.

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.

Adam Higgins, co-founder of Capital&Centric, said:

This is the future of our town centres. Dynamic and progressive towns like Stockport will be full of residents. We’re creating a mini-city eco system of café bars, delis, coworking spaces, gyms and everything else in between.

“We were made up by how many people took part in the consultation and following the feedback, and the impact of the pandemic, we’re proposing even more outdoor space with balconies on some of the apartments and a roof terrace for residents, in addition to the public open spaces.

“Providing a new access to the Mersey this will be a place for riverside chilling in the evening sun or some fine dining in the restored wheel house overlooking the water. The West Shed will be a new chilled space to take your laptop, grab a coffee and while away the day or even use it as a first class lounge for Stockport train station nearby.

“We think it’ll set the standard for town centre communities and take on the cities when it comes to where people choose to live.”

Stockport Council leader, Cllr Elise Wilson said:

The Weir Mill site is a key part of our Town Centre West regeneration plans and ambition to create the newest, coolest, and greenest urban neighbourhood in Greater Manchester.

“It’s fantastic to start the year with Weir Mill reaching this key milestone as we look towards driving the post-pandemic recovery of our town.”

Located alongside the town’s iconic viaduct, Weir Mill started off life as a water powered cotton works in the late 18^th century, with the original water wheelhouse and parts of the mill buildings are still standing today.

As part of Capital&Centric’s plans, Weir Mill will deliver cycling parking and new walking and cycling links to the town centre, train station, proposed £120 million Stockport Interchange and Transpennine Trail that runs alongside the site.

The Weir Mill scheme is part of the £1 billion town centre regeneration plans being delivered by Stockport’s Mayoral Development Corporation and is one of the first projects to come forward in the new Town Centre West regeneration zone, which will deliver 3,500 new homes and amenities, 1,000,000 sq ft of employment, retail, leisure, health and education space, and create over 5,000 new jobs.

Stockport Council is expected to decide on the the development in spring 2021, with the scheme expected to complete in two years.