Work to start on £60m Weir Mill restoration

Capital&Centric is to start work on its £60m scheme to create a vibrant town centre community at the historic Weir Mill site in Stockport.

Funding is in place from Stockport Council and Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) and a contractor has been appointed to start work on site next month.

Capital&Centric, with Stockport MDC and Stockport Council, have appointed Sisk as the main contractor for the scheme, which will see more than 250 apartments built in the Grade II listed mill and two new-build blocks.

The homes will sit alongside new spaces for indie businesses including bars, restaurants, cafés and shops.

The site, located close to Stockport 8 – a new eight acre site set to deliver up 1,200 homes – is the next major redevelopment for Stockport Town Centre West.

With grant support from the Homes England Housing Infrastructure Fund and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority Brownfield Fund, the restoration of Weir Mill will create a new commercial space and establish a new leisure and culture destination for Stockport Town Centre West.

Adam Higgins, co-founder of Capital&Centric, said: “Weir Mill has been a constant presence in Stockport, with parts of the buildings dating back to the 1700s. Now it’s set to be the main character in the town’s next storyline. You really feel the rich heritage when you’re stood on site, we knew from day one we needed to honour that with something properly special. The neighbourhood will be just that, with new public squares, foodie hangouts and tranquil green spots. Not only a top place to live, but a visitor pull for Stockport.

“There’s no doubt, it’s a turbulent time at the moment, but we’re ploughing on. It’s creative neighbourhoods like this that will propel the region’s recovery. We’re itching to get on site in the coming weeks.”

Work starting is a major milestone for Capital&Centric and the Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC), with Weir Mill a cornerstone project of the £1bbn town centre transformation.

Lord Bob Kerslake, chair of the Stockport MDC, said: “This is another fantastic example of the momentum and pace of transformation being achieved in Stockport thanks to a can do attitude and collaboration across the board. We’re delivering on what the MDC set out to do, create long-term inclusive growth by transforming the town with new homes, jobs and sustainable communities.

“Weir Mill will be a catalytic site that will drastically improve the whole area, located just a stone’s throw from the Interchange. Particularly against the current volatility of the construction industry, this is a major achievement to get such as vision fully funded, with a respected contractor appointed and work set to start.”
Cllr Mark Hunter, leader of Stockport Council, added: “I’m delighted that we can take this next phase of Stockport’s ambitious £1bn regeneration forward as the MDC reaches its next milestone. The MDC will deliver thousands of new homes, creating a new town centre neighbourhood for future generations to live and enjoy.

“It is exciting times for the MDC with the progress at the Interchange, Exchange Phase 4 and the recent announcement of the Stockport 8 development opportunity. These will greatly enhance the quality of life for local people, and see Stockport become the most liveable and well-connected town centre in Greater Manchester.

“For a developer of Capital & Centric’s reputation to deliver this strategic site is testament to the appeal of the MDC and Stockport and shows real confidence from the private sector.  Our vison for the town centre is moving forward at pace and I look forward to plans progressing now the contractor has been appointed.”

The build is set to take around two years.