Muse paves way for Stockport offices

A temporary car park has opened at Stockport's Grand Central leisure complex to clear the way for construction of the new office quarter by Muse Developments.

The first phase of development, a multi-storey car park opposite the station, is due on site early next year. The temporary car park is located on the former site of a bowling alley and will accommodate commuters and visitors to the existing leisure complex during the construction of the car park.

Muse Developments was appointed by the council as development partner to deliver the project, which includes a hotel and public space.

Cllr Iain Roberts, executive member for economic development and regeneration at Stockport Council, said: "Over the next 12 months we're going to see significant developments, with work starting on site for the multi-storey car park in early 2013."

Wes Erlam, senior development surveyor for Muse, added: "Completion of the temporary car park will ensure construction of the new multi-storey car park can commence early in the New Year. The multi-storey represents the first significant step in the comprehensive transformation of Grand Central and will deliver much improved facilities for residents and visitors to Stockport."

Phase one consists of a new 1,000 space multi-storey car park and a range of highway improvements, due to be completed at the beginning of 2014. The new car park will meet increasing demand for parking next to the railway station and encourage more people to travel by train.

Phase two has been masterplanned for the first commercial office building, new public space, a hotel and highway improvements by 2015.
Phase three will include further office buildings, extension of the open space and further improved accessibility for pedestrians on a phased basis up to 2020.