2 Stockport Exchange named as regional finalist at prestigious Civic Trust Awards

The team behind 2 Stockport Exchange – striking new 61,500 sq ft Grade A offices in the North West’s most accessible business hub – has received word that it has been named as a regional finalist by the prestigious Civic Trust Awards.

The Civic Trust Awards scheme was established in 1959 to recognise outstanding architecture, planning and design in the built environment. Its aim is to encourage the very best in architecture and environmental design, to improve the built environment for us all through design, sustainability, inclusiveness and accessibility, but also to reward projects that offer a positive cultural, social, economic or environmental benefit to their local communities.

Designed by renowned architectural practice, Aedas, 2 Stockport Exchange brings forward a unique and compelling offer that highlights many of the Civic Trust’s aims; high-quality design features, which include an innovative stone façade and full-height glazing, with a clear purpose to deliver a fully-accessible working environment which promotes wellbeing and meets occupier requirements. These features further complement the existing café, retail and leisure facilities, extensive public realm, and the wider town centre regeneration.

Global chemical company, BASF has nearly completed its fit out on its new UK headquarters at the scheme and there is strong interest on the remaining space. The firm chose the scheme as its new home due to its unrivalled connectivity and its open and collaborative workspace to enable new and more agile ways of working, which is a core part of their Future of Work project.

The wider £145m Stockport Exchange transformation, delivered collaboratively by Stockport Council and national urban regenerators, Muse Developments, sits centrally to the council’s ambitious £1bn town centre regeneration programme. This includes a new transport interchange and the tram arriving in the town centre, which will build on Stockport’s first-class connectivity. The Mayoral Development Corporation, the first of its kind nationally – which is currently gaining momentum with the appointment of Lord Kerslake as Chair – will create a new mixed-use urban quarter with 3,500 homes and up to 1 million sq ft of commercial space. This includes the recent announcement that the historic Weir Mill will be transformed into 250 homes with ground floor retail.

Cllr David Meller, cabinet member for economy and regeneration at Stockport Council, said: “To be recognised by the Civic Trust is a fantastic endorsement for Stockport Exchange and testament to the hard work and commitment of everyone involved.

“Our aim was to attract world renowned businesses to the town centre and we have certainly achieved this here. Its first class location, high quality design and specification has put Stockport Exchange on the map of one of the North West’s premier business hubs. I’m really proud of what we have achieved and our ambitious plans for the town centre and the arrival of Metrolink will only strengthen its appeal.

“I look forward to hearing the results in January.”

Tom Webber, senior development surveyor at Muse Developments, said: “It’s a proud moment for all involved in Stockport Exchange, as we hear the news that we’ve been named as a regional finalist with such a coveted awarding body. Working closely with our partners, we firmly believe we’ve delivered a truly special scheme that highlights the scale and shared ambition we’re looking to achieve here.

“Together with the council we’re playing a significant role in the repurposing of Stockport town centre, and the partnership’s future success in the Mayoral Development Corporation. This is through the delivery of high-quality schemes; maximising the town’s excellent connectivity; positively contributing to the place and changing the perception of the town both regionally and to a wider audience. This drives growth, opportunities and prosperity for all and we’re proud to be recognised for our collective commitment to regeneration in the town.”

All regional finalists are now vying to win one of the Civic Trust’s national awards, with winners announced in January 2021.

Once complete, the wider Stockport Exchange development will deliver up to 375,000 sq ft of office space and 28,000 sq ft of commercial floor space.

Cushman & Wakefield and CBRE are appointed as joint agents for the scheme.