Name change for Stockport’s Grand Central
MUSE Developments and Stockport Council have rebranded the Grand Central redevelopment as Stockport Exchange.
They said the new name would give the £140m project a fresh image which reflects its proximity to the railway station.
In April the insurer Canada Life agreed to forward fund the first phase which will be a multi-storey car park.
Muse, based in Salford, has said the 1,000-space car park will act as a “catalyst for the transformation of the site” into a new commercial hub for the town. The value of the deal was not disclosed.
It will be built on land leased to the council by Network Rail and once complete it will be run by car park operator NCP. The first commercial office building and the hotel will be part of phase two, to be completed by 2015, and phase three will see more buildings go up on a phased basis up to 2020.
Wes Erlam, senior development manager at Muse said: “Grand Central has historically been associated with the leisure scheme and the new scheme is focused on creating a vibrant new destination for businesses and the public. Although we will retain some elements of the retail and leisure components we felt it was appropriate to change the name and create a fresh start for the new scheme.
“The word ‘exchange’ was chosen for many reasons – the fantastic public transport links being the main one. In addition the name represents a change on many levels – a change of use, space, and more importantly a change for Stockport.”
Councillor Iain Roberts, executive member for economic development and regeneration at Stockport Council, said: “The area around Stockport train station is transforming into an exciting new commercial and commuter hub. The name ‘Stockport Exchange’ represents this change and also harks back to the area’s rich history, with Exchange Street just around the corner. It will offer a new vibrant space for people to work, travel, visit and relax, boosting the surrounding area and creating more jobs for local people.”
