Given the controversy surrounding plans to build on green belt areas in Stockport, anything which utilises existing land and property is likely to be of significant benefit to many people in the local area. The protests surrounding green belt property development plans indicate that there is a strong level of feeling about where new properties will materialise in the local area but there is surely agreement that Stockport needs more homes and property options.
This is why proposed work for Meadow Mill, on Water Street, could be of benefit. The mill is located next to the Tesco in Portwood and it has been described as a building that is deteriorating while also being a financial drain. Doing anything with the building would be good news for the local community but saving it from dereliction could lead to a £20 million investment in the local area if planning permission is granted. The hopes focus on bringing hundreds of homes while also creating space for business, and you can see why this is a project that would generate excitement in the local area.
William George Homes is the company behind the new application and they are looking to add 217 apartments to the local area while also offering up 30,000 square feet of retail and leisure premises, which will be located on the ground floor of the building. The mill holds a Grade II listing but at this point in time, close to half of the mill cannot be used. This is partly due to a lack of demand but it is also because there are parts of the mill have been deemed to be in an unsuitable condition for use.
This is an important area where development will bring benefit
The mill is located in an area that is prominent to the town centre and to the River Thame valley network. There is an agreement that a considerable level of work will have to be undertaken to improve the conditions of the mill but the builders clearly believe that this is a viable product that would eventually reward them while being of benefit to the local community and area.
The plans include replacing the roof, which is currently derelict, the addition of a seventh floor and even wing extensions, creating even more space at a building that is already grand in size and stature. However, given that there are some tenants currently in place at Meadow Mill, there will be a need for these people to be relocated if any major building work takes place. There will be public consultation on the proposals until the 5th of January and the decision is expected to be announced in March.
* Image depicts artists impression of what the development could look like from Manchester Evening News' Coverage. Read their piece here
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