START ON SITE FOR STOCKPORT EXCHANGE NEXT PHASE

Construction of the second phase of Stockport town centre’s new gateway development, Stockport Exchange, is now underway.

Muse Developments has appointed Eric Wright Construction to deliver this phase of development which is being undertaken in partnership with Stockport Council.

It will include a new 115 bed hotel, a 50,000 sq ft, five-storey office building with ground floor retail space and a new public space outside Stockport train station, creating an attractive gateway into the town centre.  The road layout will also be reconfigured to improve access to the station and provide a dedicated drop-off facility.

Stockport Exchange is a flagship office development for Stockport that will see a new commercial district and commuter hub created in the heart of the town centre. It is part of the Council’s ambitious Investing in Stockport programme that will see the town build on its strengths to make it an even better place to live, work and visit.

Wes Erlam, development director at Muse, said: “Appointing a contractor and starting on site for the second phase of Stockport Exchange means we’re one step closer to realising this major new mixed-use development for Stockport. It will build on the success of the first phase and deliver a brand new hotel and much-needed, Grade A office accommodation at an excellent location in the town centre. We’re looking forward to working closely with our partners to transform this area into a welcoming and thriving new commercial district.”

Councillor Patrick McAuley, Executive Member for Thriving Economy at Stockport Council, stated: “I am delighted that work on the next phase of Stockport Exchange has begun on site. This and the appointment of Eric Wright Construction as the contractor for this stage of development are a huge step forward in realising our vision for the town centre.

“The development of Stockport Exchange will bring with it new jobs and opportunities for local residents and businesses which is why it plays such an important part in our Investing in Stockport programme. This announcement comes at the same time as we are moving forward on some of our other Growth projects such as Redrock Stockport and the Town Centre Access Plan, showing the Council’s commitment to making Stockport an even better place to live, work and visit.”

John Wilson, managing director of Eric Wright Construction, concluded: “We are delighted to have been appointed to this project and to be working with Muse Developments again, a company which we have worked with previously to deliver award-winning schemes.

“As a Considerate Constructor with Gold IIP status, we take pride in delivering quality buildings and are pleased to have started on this 16-month project.”

Completion of the office and hotel is expected in autumn 2016.

Stockport Exchange will ultimately deliver up to 375,000 sq ft of office space and 28,000 sq ft of commercial floor space.

The first phase of the scheme – a 1,000 space multi-storey car park operated by NCP – was completed last year and is open to the public.

DTZ and CBRE are appointed as joint agents for the scheme.

Picture: computer generated image of the scheme’s second phase, looking from Stockport train station towards the A6