Stockport club reformed

SYMPHONY Housing Group, the new social housing organisation formed through the merger of Contour and Vicinity Housing Groups, has started work on redeveloping the Stockport Reform Club.

The organisation is set to transform the former reform club at Heaton Moor into 21 new apartments after being granted planning approval for its conversion at the end of last year.

Andrea Swanwick, senior project manager for the company, said: “We are delighted to be working on this much-loved building which has been standing empty for some time.

“Building contractor Albert Holliday & Sons will be carrying out a substantial amount of work to keep the facade of the building and ensure it is retained as a local landmark and the rest of the site will be developed as new build.”

The £2.7 million project has been granted £840,000 from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) and a £180,000 Recycled Capital Grant Fund (RCGF) allowance.

Deborah McLaughlin, North West executive director at the HCA, said: “Our investment and support in the transformation of the Reform Club will help to widen choice for local people by bringing new affordable apartments to Stockport.

“I’m sure that these new homes will prove really popular.”

Swanwick added that there was a genuine need for affordable housing in the area. The conversion is due to complete in March 2012.