Investar reveals £65m central Stockport development
Manchester-based developer Investar Property Group has released the first images of Royal George Village, a mixed-use scheme to be built on part of the former Stockport College campus.
Based on Wellington Road South and Greek Street, the three-acre plot was conditionally purchased by Investar Property Group in November 2019, after the college enlisted Colliers International to market the site.
Buildings include the 120,000 sq ft Torkington building, 63,000 sq ft Lyme building and the 26,000 sq ft grade two-listed Greek Street building.
Investar has tabled an early-stage proposal which the developer said has backing from the Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation as part of its Strategic Regeneration Framework for the town.
The Royal George Village scheme would include converted and new-build residential as well as coworking space, commercial units and green space.
The Torkington building would be converted into 120 apartments with a focus on providing affordable homes for Stockport residents.
The existing Lyme building will be demolished and a 250 apartment block will be constructed.
Investar would convert the listed Greek Street Centre into a co-working space for local businesses.
Plans also include provision for another new-build block of 55 apartments located on the corner of Greek Street and Royal George Street.
Four existing buildings will be demolished to make way for an underground car park and public realm.
A virtual public consultation has been launched today and is is available at www.royalgeorgevillage.co.uk.
A planning application is expected to be submitted late April 2020, with the aim of going to planning committee in autumn 2020. Site works are due to begin at the start of 2021.
Michael Dong, chief executive at Investar Property Group, said: “Our vision for Royal George Village is to change the way we think about creating new places to live in the UK. This development will provide a platform for housing, health and business collaboration, to add social value and to forge a real sense of community in a key Stockport location.
“Stockport continues to thrive, and its excellent transport links to Manchester are set to be greatly improved. We welcome the recent announcement by Stockport Council and Transport for Greater Manchester to bid for up to £1bn to deliver an extension of the Metrolink line into the town centre.”
Michelle Leslie, vice-principal for corporate services and planning at The Trafford College Group said: “Royal George Village will complement the £23m redevelopment of our campus at Stockport College due for completion in 2021. The redeveloped Stockport College will provide a learning environment that uses the latest developments in digital technology and education.
“Together the two developments will create a new community for Stockport on a site that is at the heart of the town and we look forward to working with Investar to help finalise their vision.”
The Investar team includes Day Architectural; Buro Happold Engineering; Rider Levett Bucknall; planning consultant WSP Indigo, WSP Transportation, Layer Studio and Gray Scanlan Hill. JMW Solicitors is providing legal advice.
