Stockport readies CPO to keep £145m office park moving

Drawn-out negotiations between the council and the owner of a property within the Stockport Exchange masterplan have so far failed, prompting the authority to look at using compulsory purchase powers.

Stockport Council wants to acquire 72-74 Wellington Road South from Kieran Henry to pave the way for a 60,000 sq ft office in a later phase of the £145m commercial district.

The authority has made five separate offers to buy the site since 2017 but all have been rejected.

Earlier this month a new masterplan for the remaining phases of Stockport Exchange was approved. So far three office buildings and a hotel have been delivered.

The updated masterplan outlines a vision for around 245,000 sq ft more office space across three buildings and 100 apartments.

The authority wants to take control of the site to provide investors with confidence that the project can be delivered in full, according to a report to the council’s regeneration committee.

The committee will meet next Thursday to approve the using a compulsory purchase order to acquire 72-74 Wellington Road South if required.

The council has secured all of the land/properties needed for the future phases except the one that is the subject of the proposed CPO.

These include eight other buildings on Wellington Road South, and 2 Railway Road. 76 – 84 Wellington Road South and 2 Railway Road have recently been demolished.

Cllr Colin MacAlister, cabinet member for economy and regeneration at Stockport Council, said: “Stockport Exchange has been a popular choice for a diverse range of businesses over many years and has played a major role in transforming this part of Stockport.

“We’re pleased to have recently secured planning consent for the next phases of development, but moving forward depends on our ability to acquire this land.  

“We have been trying to negotiate a sale for a number of years and will continue to negotiate the purchase, but ultimately, we may have to use compulsory purchase powers if necessary. We’re committed to completing these future phases to attract more businesses, create jobs, and offer high-quality amenities.”