Muse to start Grand Central in January

MUSE Developments is planning to start on site early next year with Stockport’s £145m Grand Central scheme after signing a development agreement.

The council bought the site, next to the town’s railway station, from administrators for £15m last year to bring forward the office-led development, which will also include a hotel and car park.

Salford-based Muse has been on board as preferred partner since late last year but the council describes the new agreement as an “important milestone”.

Phase one consists of a 1,000 space multi-story car park and a range of highway improvements, due to be completed at the beginning of 2014. The first commercial office building and the hotel will be part of phase two, to be completed by 2015, and phase three will see more buildings go up on a phased basis up to 2020.

Councillor Iain Roberts, executive member for economic development and regeneration at Stockport Council, said: “The signing of the development agreement confirms both parties’ commitment to delivering a cutting-edge new office quarter and commuter destination for Stockport. It is a crucial part of our overall vision for the town centre – attracting jobs, investment and footfall. We’ve worked hard to make sure that it’s self-financing and at no extra cost to the Council-tax payer.”

Matt Crompton, joint managing director, Muse Developments said: “Today marks an important milestone in the transformation of this key gateway to Stockport town centre. We can now look forward to working with our partners at the council to build on Stockport’s commercial appeal to deliver this stunning new office quarter.”