Stockport planners approve Underbanks development
Planning permission has been granted for four sites in Stockport, linked to the transformation of the Underbanks area.
Work is expected to begin early this year, led by developer Hall & Co.
The four new buildings will deliver a total of 82 apartments, plus 10,000 sq ft of commercial space, with Hall & Co working closely with Stockport Council to bring the plans to life.
Family-run property developer Hall & Co is known for its redevelopment of the town’s Grade II-listed Bank Chambers.
It is now home to ProFolk, Stockport’s first dedicated co-working space, set among original features restored by the team, including stained glass, marble columns, bank vaults and fireplaces.
This latest project incorporates several buildings throughout the Underbanks, one on Little Underbank, two on Lower Hillgate and one derelict site currently being used as a car park.
The four sites will be completely redeveloped to create new apartments, boasting a range of unique design details including leafy semi-private courtyards and winter gardens. Each of the upper floor apartments will also be designed to meet the ‘HAPPI’ principles for wellness.
The designs were produced by Ollier Smurthwaite Architects.
Each of the four buildings have been designed to reflect their historic surroundings, mirroring the many intricate design features of their neighbours.
Key design elements include staggered plots, vertical windows, and pitched and stepped roofs and eaves to retain the dramatic roofscape, ensuring that they blend seamlessly into the urban grain.
Jamie Hall, director at Hall & Co Property, said: “This project has been in the making for some time, working closely with the team at Stockport Council to ensure that each of the new buildings will be in keeping with the wider Underbanks conservation area.
“It’s a hugely popular – and historically valuable – part of Stockport, so it’s great to be able to give these under-used sites a new lease of life, while creating high quality new apartments and more space for the independents that have played such a huge role in the revival of the Underbanks in recent years.
He added: “It is fantastic to be able to invest further in Stockport, maintaining the character and history of the Underbanks and contributing to the creation of a thriving town centre. It’s a really exciting project.”
The Underbanks has continued to grow in popularity in recent years, fueled by the restoration of several buildings in the area which are now home to a diverse range of independents, including Produce Hall, Where the Light Gets In and The Spinn Off.
