Work resumes on former M&S store

Following a brief hiatus due to coronavirus restrictions, work has resumed on STOK, the redevelopment of Stockport’s former M&S store, developers Glenbrook have confirmed.

The building on Princes Street, in Stockport town centre was purchased last year by property development and investment firm, Glenbrook. The developers are converting the space into a new town centre office, retail and leisure facility. When completed it will provide 64,000 sq ft of modern office accommodation across two large, open plan floors with leisure and retail facilities in both the basement and ground floor.

In December demolition contractors AWD were appointed and the team has been busy stripping out the interior ahead of the re-modelling into office and leisure space.  AWD are continuing to make good progress on site removing old materials and fittings from the ground floor and from within the basement and are due to complete the strip out in July 2020.

Commenting on the progress made so far, Glenbrook Project Manager, Liam Gordon, said:

When COVID-19 restrictions were implemented the strip out work stopped whilst we adapted our on-site practices and awaited government guidance. Works have since resumed following the implementation of additional health, safety & wellbeing practices to ensure the site is COVID secure. It is a very large space and operatives can work safely, abiding by the social distancing measures that have been brought into effect.   

“Last week AWD Demolition completed a full night shift to remove the existing plant & equipment from the roof of the building. A crane was situated on Princes Street for the duration to safely lift the equipment onto waiting haulage vehicles. The work was completed through the night to minimise disruption locally. We liaised closely with SMBC for all of the necessary permissions to ensure the work was completed without a hitch”

A full  3D modelling of the interior of the former M&S store has also been done by a team of CAD experts from ACAD. This will allow the design team to plan STOK’s interior space with incredible accuracy to maximise its full potential.

The old escalators will be removed in the coming weeks and the strip out has revealed some superb details such as the original timber floors.

Glenbrook is working with architects, AEW and interior designer, Incognito, to remodel the building which will include a central glazed atrium, three 9-person lifts, cycle storage, drying facilities and a second-floor outdoor terrace.

A full planning application for change of use is also being prepared and will be submitted to Stockport Council in the coming weeks.