Capital & Centric seeks input on Weir Mill proposal
The developer has launched a consultation on its £60m plans to transform the historic Stockport town centre site into a 250-home project.
Local residents are being asked for their thoughts on the proposal to create up to 250 residences across the restored mill buildings and some new build elements, with a new frontage onto the river, spaces for café-bars, delis or independent shops, with surrounding courtyards and public green spaces.
Capital & Centric’s purchase of the site from Maryland Securities was confirmed in May, and the developer is working towards a fresh planning application for the site, the previous owner’s having been withdrawn.
Adam Higgins, co-founder of Capital & Centric, said: “Weir Mill is an enduring icon of Stockport’s industrial past, which even inspired local artist LS Lowry. But many of the buildings are now in a pretty bad state so we have to find a viable long-term use for them, or risk losing them forever.
“Our plan is to create a thriving town centre community, where incredible places to live sit alongside green spaces and amenities looking out across the river. This isn’t just going to be a development for the people that live there.”
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the developer is not holding a public event, but has sent newsletters to nearly 5,000 households and businesses, set up a hotline on 0800 689 1096, and launched a questionnaire on the scheme’s website.
This initial stage of consultation closes on 14 August. Feedback will be used to help shape the plans with a further stage of consultation after the summer, before a planning application is made to Stockport Council by year end.
The project is part of the Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation’s plans for the town centre. Sitting within the Town Centre West regeneration zone, the Weir Mill site is close to the transport hub due to undergo a £120m development, and is backed by £7m of Housing Infrastructure Fund money from Homes England.
Cllr Elise Wilson, leader of Stockport Council, said: “Weir Mill will really set the scene for our ambitious plans for Town Centre West and encourage more people to visit and live in the town centre. I look forward to seeing the plans as they develop.”
Lord Bob Kerslake, chairman of the MDC, added: “The redevelopment of Weir Mill has the potential to reshape the area for decades to come. It’s vital that we set the bar high.”