Stockport’s Exchange scheme to add padel courts to next phase
Stockport’s ambitious Exchange office development is seeking to add three padel courts to its phased development.
Developer Muse is working with leisure operator Social Sports Society and has submitted a planning application to open a three court, 1,500 sq m padel venue at the modern office development, which sits between Stockport train station and the main A6 through the town, opposite the Town Hall.
The three-court venue is part of the wider £1 billion regeneration programme in the town, which includes future phases of Stockport Exchange, home to businesses including Music Magpie, BASF, ONP and Stagecoach in the first two buildings which are open. A third building is under construction at the development which is sometimes called Stockport’s Spinningfields.
A tatty parade of shops on the A6 is due for demolition, which will make way for the final phases of the scheme, which are up before the planning committee this evening (15 August 2024).
The Planning and Highways Regulation committee will make a decision on a proposed hybrid application seeking permission for Stockport Exchange Phase 5 office building with ground floor commercial use and associated public realm and outline planning permission for Stockport Exchange Phases 6, 7 and 8 following the demolition of existing buildings. Phases 6 & 7 will include more office buildings with ground floor commercial uses, but with the option for residential use.
Officers have recommended the plans, submitted by Muse, for approval.
Close by is Stockport 8, a brand new neighbourhood spearheaded by Stockport’s Mayoral Development Corporation, which is tasked with building thousands of new homes.
The site plans for the leisure facility, which is also close to Grand Central swimming pool, will include a new reception area designed by Manchester-based architecture firm IF_DO, while JMS Planning is submitting the application on the company’s behalf.
Ella Woodward, development manager at Muse, said: “Having the opportunity to bring an offering like this to Stockport is fantastic for the area. Muse is deeply embedded in the town and through our work on Stockport Exchange and Stockport 8, we’ve spoken to lots of local people and businesses. The feedback we receive often focuses around the importance of wellbeing and community, so we believe that a new padel venue will very well received.”
Subject to planning approval, the padel courts will be open for business after the summer.
Padel is a racket sport which is a hybrid of tennis and squash, played in doubles in an enclosed court with walls of glass and metallic mesh.
Social Sports’ Society’s recently launched its Wembley Padel venue and is developing further sites nationwide, including a multi-sports venue in Brent Cross, London.
Rachel Tan, Social Sport Society’s Director of Growth and Development, says: “We are thrilled to be launching our first Community Partnership Initiative with Stockport Council and Muse. Our mission is to work closely with local communities to empower individuals from all backgrounds to improve their health and wellbeing through the power of social sports. We’re so pleased that Stockport and Muse share this vision.”
Cllr Colin MacAlister, Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration at Stockport Council, said: “Stockport Exchange is home to a diverse range of businesses and I’m sure this latest addition will prove to be really popular with both residents and workers.”
Also before the Planning and Highways Regulation committee this evening (15 August) is plan to demolish the Marple Library, Marple Clinic and Marple Police Station buildings and build a new leisure and community building with a swimming pool and new library.
