Consultation launched on £60m plans for Stockport’s Weir Mill

The Weir Mill site

Developer Capital&Centric has launched consultation on its £60m plans to transform the historic Weir Mill in Stockport town centre into a thriving new mixed-use community.

Local residents are being asked what they think about the proposal to create up to 250 new homes across the restored mill buildings and some new-build, with a new frontage onto the river, spaces for café-bars, delis or independent shops, surrounding courtyards and green spaces – all open to the public.

Capital&Centric bought the site in May this year and is at an early stage of working up the plans.

The previous owner had submitted a planning application, but this has been withdrawn, with a new vision being developed for the site.

Located alongside the town’s iconic viaduct, Weir Mill started off life as a water-powered cotton works in the late 18th century, with the original water wheelhouse and mill building still standing today.

Adam Higgins, co-founder of Capital&Centric, said: “Weir Mill is an enduring icon of Stockport’s industrial past, which even inspired local artist LS Lowry.

“But many of the buildings are now in a pretty bad state, so we have to find a viable long-term use for them or risk losing them forever.

“Our plan is to create a thriving new town centre community, where incredible places to live sit alongside green spaces and amenities looking out across the river.

“This isn’t just going to be a development for the people that live there, we’re creating a quiet space in the town centre where you can grab a coffee and sit by the water surrounded by some of Stockport’s best historic architecture.

“We want to know what you’d like to see there. This could be café-bars, delis or independent shops, but we’re open to ideas. So, join the conversation and tell us what you think.”

Due to current COVID-19 restrictions the developer is not holding a public event, however there are other ways people can join the conversation:

  • A newsletter has been sent to nearly 5,000 households and businesses in the area with a tear-off questionnaire
  • You can also complete the questionnaire online at www.weirmill.com
  • You can request a hard copy newsletter or ask a question by calling 0800 689 1095
  • You can email weir@capitalandcentric.com
  • You can write to Freepost HAVE YOUR SAY
  • Follow on social @CapitalCentric

This first stage of consultation closes on August 14, 2020. Feedback will be used to help shape the plans with a further stage of consultation after the Summer.

It is expected that a planning application will be submitted to Stockport Council by the end of the year.

This is Capital&Centric’s first foray into the town.

The project is part of Stockport’s Mayoral Development Corporation’s (MDC) ambitious plans for the town centre.

What Weir Mill could look like

Sitting within the Town Centre West regeneration zone, the Weir Mill site will be adjacent to a new £120m transport interchange and is backed by £7m of Housing Infrastructure Fund money from Homes England.

Stockport Council leader, Cllr Elise Wilson, said: “It’s great to see the plans for Weir Mill moving forward and I’d encourage local people to get involved in the consultation.

“Capital&Centric are known for their focus on creating communities, so this is an opportunity for local people to come together with the developer to create something really special.

“Weir Mill will really set the scene for our ambitious plans for Town Centre West and encourage more people to visit and live in the town centre.

“I look forward to seeing the plans as they develop.”

Lord Bob Kerslake, chair of the MDC, said: “The redevelopment of Weir Mill will be hugely significant for Stockport’s Town Centre West.

“It has the potential to re-shape the area for decades to come and set a new standard for town centre living.

“It’s vital that we set the bar high and create something that local people can engage with and be proud of.

“Capital&Centric’s track record of ambitious, high-quality development makes them the ideal developer for this historic site and it’s great to see developers continuing to back Stockport as we look to Build Back Better.”

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