Housing association, The Guinness Partnership, has submitted plans to build three apartment blocks on the Crucible Snooker Club site on Edward Street, Stockport, comprising 133 flats for sale through a shared ownership scheme.
Existing buildings will be demolished to build the three apartment blocks of one- and two-bedroom properties. Guinness Partnership is targeting the development at first time buyers, by offering the apartments for sale through shared ownership.
The developers hope the scheme will support wider regeneration in Stockport through increasing footfall in the town centre from the additional residents. The buildings will also incorporate a number of duplex properties with street access.
The site is adjacent to the Town Hall conservation area, so Guinness Partnership have designed the shared ownership apartment blocks with the local architectural heritage in mind, using a light coloured brick to match Stockport’s other brick buildings and also mirror the colouring of the Town Hall and neighbouring Stockport Homes building.
The buildings have been designed with accessibility and sustainability in mind. 14 disabled parking spaces have been incorporated into the plans, as well as storage for 136 bicycles to discourage car use. Apartments also feature wide doorways and lift access, and all duplexes have bathrooms level with the entrances to make them suitable for those with disabilities. Only four of the shared ownership apartments will require step access due to the slight incline of Edward Street.
While a development of this scale would normally require contributions towards recreational spaces, planning officers have recommended the properties for approval, as by offering the apartments for shared ownership, the development will support Stockport Council meet demand for affordable housing, and regenerate a brownfield site in the town centre.
Stockport Council’s Planning Committee will meet on Thursday 30th January to decide on the proposals.
Bowker Sadler are the architects on the development and prepared the plans for Stockport Council.