Stockport appoints TMT for £2m Merseyway Innovation Centre
The first floors of the old Next and Metro Gym at the shopping centre will soon be converted into 15,000 q ft of flexible serviced offices and co-working space.
Stockport Council’s Merseyway Innovation Centre project will see vacant upper floors of the Merseyway Shopping Centre become spaces for up to 50 businesses to grow and work.
Local firm TMT Commercial Contractors have secured the £2.4m contract to build and fit-out the MIC, as well as renovate the shopping centre’s façade. TMT is set to complete its work in time for MIC to open this summer.
When construction wraps, MIC will boast a series of bookable coworking desks, shared and private offices, and meeting rooms. Geared towards incubating start-ups, MIC will also offer tenants access to business support and networking opportunities.
MIC will be managed by Oxford Innovation on behalf of the council.
Cllr Colin MacAlister, cabinet member for economy and regeneration at Stockport Council, said: “We have a thriving business community in Stockport but this will strengthen our offer and provide that all-important support for new and small businesses, providing everything they need for their business to grow and prosper.
“The improvements we are making to the wider Merseyway Shopping Centre will further enhance the area and the new transport interchange just across the road will make it even more accessible, allowing more people to take advantage of the fantastic facilities and all our town centre has to offer.”
As part of its contract, TMT has committed to using a supply chain for the project that is either based in Stockport or close by.
To help with sustainability measurements, the construction company will track carbon emissions to and from the site.
TMT is also aiming to send less than .5% of waste generated on the site to the landfill.
In terms of social value, TMT will spend 80 hours of volunteer time on community projects, including assisting Stockport Women’s Centre in refurbishing its space.
Tom Traynor, director at TMT, said his team was excited to work on a local project.
“This is a hugely exciting opportunity for our company,” Traynor said. “It’s a privilege to be working with Stockport Council on this project.
“All three of our company directors are from Stockport so it is great to see the investment within the town centre, and to be able to play a small part in the improvements, coupled with the social value aspect of the project is allowing us to give back to our local community, which is something we are truly passionate about.”
Funds for MIC come from the European Regional Development Fund, Stockport Council, and Whitehall.
Planning permission for MIC was secured in July 2020 by CBRE for the council. Aew Architects drew up the initial plans. Since then, 5plus architects has taken on the project. For those interested in the original plans, the reference number with Stockport Council is DC/076539. The new plans can be found using reference number DC/086089.
