Green light for Stockport co-working scheme

Hall & Co Property has secured planning permission for the redevelopment of Stockport’s grade two-listed Bank Chambers, which it is to convert into a co-working space branded as ProFolk.

Ollier Smurthwaite is on board as architect for a project that the developer said will be a sensitive restoration, bringing the vacant building back to its best, while delivering a modern working environment that accentuates the Market Place property’s design features.

ProFolk, billed as the first dedicated co-working development in Stockport, will provide seven private offices and 20 co-working desks, along with a large space for meetings and events, plus breakout and relaxation space, a bike store, showers and lockers.

Managing director of Ollier Smurthwaite, Matt Ollier, said: “A lot of the original features are still intact within the grand old banking hall. The approach we’ve taken is a light touch; restoring and revealing the existing marble walls, feature columns and old bank vaults, whilst introducing the minimal amount of modern interventions. The works will restore the interior to its former glory and preserve it for the enjoyment of future generations.”

Jamie Hall, projects director at Hall & Co, said: “Stockport has seen significant growth in recent months; it has enormous untapped potential which is now being realised. The majority of office space in Stockport town centre is fully occupied, yet much of that space is tired and dated – ProFolk will raise the bar, offering a modern, attractive, tech-enabled workspace that benefits from superfast WIFI, an unrivalled location and an emphasis on collaboration.

“We will continue to see businesses relocating into the town, and we’ve no doubt that ProFolk will prove popular with both new and established companies alike.”

Work has already begun on site, with ProFolk scheduled to open its doors in summer 2019.