Work is set to begin next month on the restoration of Stockport’s historic Weir Mill following the securing of funding and appointment of contractors on the project.
Social impact developers Capital&Centric, working alongside the Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) and Stockport Council, have appointed Sisk as the main contractor for the £60 million community, which will see over 250 design-led apartments in the Grade II listed mill and two new-build blocks. The homes will sit alongside stunning new spaces for indie businesses including bars, restaurants, cafés and shops.
Stockport Council and Stockport MDC have also secured grant support from the Homes England Housing Infrastructure Fund and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority Brownfield Fund with funding now in place to enable work to begin.
The sensitive restoration of Weir Mill will create a new commercial space and establish a new leisure and culture destination for Stockport Town Centre West, transforming Stockport into the most sustainable and liveable town centre in Greater Manchester. The site also sits adjacent to Stockport 8, a new eight acre neighbourhood that is set to deliver up to 1,200 new town centre homes.
Adam Higgins, co-founder of Capital&Centric said:
“Weir Mill has been a constant presence in Stockport, with parts of the buildings dating back to the 1700s. Now it’s set to be the main character in the town’s next storyline. You really feel the rich heritage when you’re stood on site, we knew from day one we needed to honour that with something properly special. The neighbourhood will be just that, with new public squares, foodie hangouts and tranquil green spots. Not only a top place to live, but a visitor pull for Stockport.
“There’s no doubt, it’s a turbulent time at the moment, but we’re ploughing on. It’s creative neighbourhoods like this that will propel the region’s recovery. We’re itching to get on site in the coming weeks.”
The scheme will create a new gateway into the town centre with independent retailers and greenery. 
The sensitively designed buildings pay homage to Weir Mill’s manufacturing history 
A water front public space provides a place to spend the evening by the riverside. 
The West Shed offers a striking indoor space to while away the day
The restoration of Weir Mill is among the cornerstone projects being brought forward by Stockport MDC as part of the £1 billion regeneration of Stockport town centre. Other key schemes currently in the offing as part of the Town Centre West regeneration include Royal George Village on land formerly part of Stockport College’s town centre campus, and a multi-generational community on the former St Thomas’ Hospital site.
The MDC, the first of its kind focused on a town centre, was set up to unlock delivery up to 4,000 new homes and 1 million sq ft of new employment space in a major 15-year overhaul set to make the town one of the region’s most liveable.
Lord Bob Kerslake, Chair of the Stockport MDC, said:
“This is another fantastic example of the momentum and pace of transformation being achieved in Stockport thanks to a can do attitude and collaboration across the board. We’re delivering on what the MDC set out to do, create long-term inclusive growth by transforming the town with new homes, jobs and sustainable communities.
“Weir Mill will be a catalytic site that will drastically improve the whole area, located just a stone’s throw from the Interchange. Particularly against the current volatility of the construction industry, this is a major achievement to get such as vision fully funded, with a respected contractor appointed and work set to start.”
Cllr Mark Hunter, Leader of Stockport Council, said:
“I’m delighted that we can take this next phase of Stockport’s ambitious £1bn regeneration forward as the MDC reaches its next milestone. The MDC will deliver thousands of new homes, creating a new town centre neighbourhood for future generations to live and enjoy.
“It is exciting times for the MDC with the progress at the Interchange, Exchange Phase 4 and the recent announcement of the Stockport 8 development opportunity. These will greatly enhance the quality of life for local people, and see Stockport become the most liveable and well-connected town centre in Greater Manchester.
“For a developer of Capital & Centric’s reputation to deliver this strategic site is testament to the appeal of the MDC and Stockport and shows real confidence from the private sector. Our vison for the town centre is moving forward at pace and I look forward to plans progressing now the contractor has been appointed.”
The build is set to take around two years. Initial strip out and limited demolition is currently taking place on site, with the newly-appointed main contractor, Sisk, to take over in June. Alan Rodger, Managing Director, at Sisk’s UK North division, said:
“The redevelopment of Weir Mill is a key building block in the transformation of Stockport and we are delighted to be working with Capital & Centric to bring it back to life. Sisk has a strong track record in the Northwest of delivering some great projects that bring life back to our cities and towns while retaining the link with the architecture of our industrial past.”
New Greek Street bridge beams installed in just four days 
Stockport NHS finalists for ‘Chefs of the Year’ 
Stockport manufacturer expands premises