Restoration work set to start on popular Stockport site
Stockport’s Winters’ clock will soon chime again as work gets under way to transform this much-loved building into an exciting French restaurant.
The iconic Grade II-listed building on Little Underbanks is being restored to its former glory and work will include sensitive repairs and restoration of the building, including the unique, automated clock and figures.
The building has a rich and fascinating history and started life as a watch and clock maker, when the buildings namesake, Jacob Winter moved his company there in 1890.
Over the years the building has operated in many guises, including an optician, jewelers, a restaurant, and, most recently, as a pub, managed by Manchester brewery Joseph Holt.
The new restaurant will be joining a successful and growing number of independent bars and restaurants in the town centre, which has seen a raft of new openings over the past six months, with Ate Days a Week and Cherry Jam opening last summer and more recently, The General Store and Still Life Story who are relocating to larger premises.
Acclaimed Stockport restaurant Where the Light Gets In has also been awarded a green Michelin Star. This is a new category that has been created to recognise restaurants who are leading the way in sustainability and is the only restaurant in Greater Manchester to receive this prestigious accolade.
Cllr David Meller, cabinet member for economy and regeneration at Stockport Council, said: “I’m delighted this historic building will soon be given the respect it deserves.
“There’s so much affection for Winters and the fact it’s soon going to be occupied demonstrates how, despite this pandemic, confidence in Stockport remains high.
“Winters shows we’re making our heritage buildings fit for the present and the future. The award-winning White Lion and the Produce Hall show that our heritage buildings are at the centre of our town centre’s regeneration.”
He added: “Before the New Year, I said how 2021 will see our hard work on Underbanks begin to come together. Winters shows this and we’ll keep everyone updated as work progresses.
“Bonne chance to the next chapter of Winters.”
The main contractor for the project is family-run Manchester-based HH Smith and Sons and will see construction students from Stockport College work alongside its team to gain much needed experience in heritage techniques.
All the renovation works will be carried out in compliance with the Government’s COVID-19 guidelines during the current lockdown and beyond.
The restoration is part of the council’s wider programme of work to restore and improve buildings in the Underbanks, with significant funding and support from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
