Work starts on the revamp of one of Stockport’s oldest pubs
Work on converting one of Stockport’s oldest pubs into flats and a new restaurant has got under way.
Over the next 12 months, a partnership between Stockport Council and Laurus Homes, will see the conversion of the 15th century White Lion pub into 11 high quality apartments above a new ground floor restaurant.
The £2.4m restoration of the Grade II listed building will include seven one-bed, three two-bed and one two-bed duplex apartments all set above a new restaurant.
The work will create a modern place for people to live and visit in the heart of Stockport’s Underbanks, with links across the whole town centre.
The start of work comes as the transformation underway in Stockport town centre continues.
New homes are being created, Redrock is open, new shops, events and businesses are coming to Stockport and the first office building at Stockport Exchange is fully let.
The renovation of the White Lion, is a part of the ongoing investment taking place in the Underbanks and Market Place.
As work begins, Stockport Council has just reconfirmed its commitment to boosting town centre living at its Town Centre Living Summit.
Larry Gold, chief executive of Trafford Housing Trust said: “As a property developer who is also part of a major housing association Trafford Housing Trust, Laurus Homes fully embraces Stockport Council’s collaborative approach.
“We know that for sensitive and complex schemes like this to be genuinely sustainable, and add real value to the local community, they need to be driven by a partnership where all parties share the same vision.
“Our close working relationship with Stockport Council on projects like the White Lion, and the wider Underbanks regeneration, demonstrates this approach in action.”
Caroline Simpson, corporate director for Place at Stockport Council, said: “I’m delighted that work breathing life back into The White Lion has begun. Injecting new life back into historic buildings is vital to ensuring Stockport is a vibrant and popular place to live, work, play and connect 24/7.
“As Stockport’s exciting transformation continues, the heart of our town is becoming a popular and attractive place to live. Creating new homes, like the new apartments in the White Lion, as well as improved public spaces for everyone to enjoy, is vital in making sure we fulfil our vision of Stockport becoming the town centre residential location of choice in South Manchester.”
The White Lion, is thought to be the oldest hostelry in Stockport with a licence dating back to the 14th century.
It was originally a coaching inn on the main route into and out of Stockport, situated close to the only crossing point of the Mersey at Lancashire Bridge, and could accommodate over 20 horses in its stables.
The pub has been rebuilt several times in its long history, and was re-fronted in a mock Tudor black & white style, in 1823.
The last major remodelling taking place in 1904-1906, giving the building the distinctive features it still carries today.
