Film studios planned for Stockport Debenhams
The 90,000 sq ft former department store in the town centre is to be converted while the council waits to find out if the government will support its plans to build a £500m hospital on the site.
In June, Stockport Council sought cabinet approval to push ahead with plans to convert the Debenhams building and let it out.
Specifics on how the building would be used were not shared at that time. However, a report to the authority’s economy and regeneration committee now provides fresh details on the planned meanwhile use.
“The proposed scheme is to take the vacant Debenhams store and create a film studio type space on the [30,000 sq ft] ground floor to be used for filming and production crews”, the report says.
Workspace for SMEs in the form of “quasi shipping container type space”, will be created on the first floor.
The project forms part of Stockport’s Levelling Up Fund round two bid and will cost £825,000 to deliver, the report states.
If the LUF bid is successful, “the programme will be increased accordingly”, according to the report.
While the film studio scheme is proposed as a meanwhile use for the building, Stockport is seeking to redevelop the site into a hospital in the longer term.
The council acquired the building in 2012 and Debenhams ceased trading from the premises last year, sparking speculation around the future use of the building.
In September 2021, the council revealed it was bidding for funding to deliver a town centre hospital on the site.
Great idea. Just film the locals for a remake of “Zombie Dawn”
By SK Spielberg
A new A &E Hospital for Stockport is badly needed.
By David Williams
Another nail in the coffin for what’s left for our Town Centre
By D Huddleston
As explained about housing in previous Article, You’re not using ‘Space’ wisely. The 2 best examples buildings were built in the right place were 2 Supermarkets on 2 opposite ends of the M60. Access is ‘Convenient & ‘Fast’.
Look outside the ‘Box’, a motorway is a fast route to many other Hospitals. Wythenshawe, Withington, Christie, Cheadle, Manchester Royal/Chldrens & Salford.
Film making can be taught in the Garrick & Plaza Theatres via The College. Makes Me wonder why ‘Councilors’ are voted for? As ‘They’ don’t listen to what the Public want or say. Wonder what would happen if the Public stopped paying ‘Council Tax? Wait for the ‘RED’ Letters!
By Evìe252
Why do we keep one of our best bits of Stockport buried beneath the biggest plain, boring, unattractive and definitely unwelcoming places which has well outlived its life. RELEASE THE RIVER MERSEY.
By Kath