Work set to begin on Underbanks regeneration schemes

Developers, Hall & Co, are set to begin work in early 2023 on the regeneration of four disused buildings in Stockport town centre’s Underbanks.

Plans were given approval late in 2021 to convert found disused properties into a mixture of apartments, affordable homes and ground floor retail units suitable for the Underbanks’ growing community of independent retailers.

Stockport Council was heavily consulted during preparation of the plans given their investment in guiding the regeneration the town centre, and Hall & Co’s proposals were approved subject to a legal agreement with local authority. A Sector 111 agreement was signed in autumn 2022, paving the way for work to begin on the site early this year.

Commenting on the original planning approval in 2021, Andrew Hall Director at Hall & Co, said:

“We have worked tirelessly for three years to achieve this consent, with the cooperation and guidance of the planners, the regeneration team and Historic England. We believe this is an exemplary scheme and will be of the highest standards, which is a tribute to both our internal and professional Team. We are proud to be able to deliver this scheme, and will take continued ownership of a further investment of £15m into Stockport, supporting what will be a thriving Conservation Area.”

The project is the family-run developer’s second in the town centre after they restored the Grade II listed Bank Chambers into 9 apartments and ground-floor co-working space, Profolk.

Hall & Co will redevelop four vacant sites on Underbanks delivering ground-floor retail space, an expansion to the Profolk coworking space, and an incubator Lab for start-up businesses. Upper levels of the properties will offer dual-aspect living set around private green spaces. To reflect changing requirements for housing following the pandemic, each apartment will feature ‘winter gardens’ that can function as a balcony, dining or home office space. Communal roof gardens will provide space for community events, relaxing or admiring the view of the historic rooftops and views beyond. One of the four buildings will be developed solely as affordable housing.