STOCKPORT EXCHANGE SCOOPS PRESTIGIOUS PARTNERSHIP AWARD

18/05/17

Muse Developments and Stockport Council have been awarded ‘Public/Private Partnership of the Year’ for their work to deliver major regeneration scheme, Stockport Exchange, at this year’s Insider North West Property Awards.

The ceremony, held at Manchester Central on 11 May 2017, gathered more than 1,000 of the region’s top professionals, developers, agents and architects to celebrate North West’s achievements over the past 12 months.

Joel Durkin, North West Business Insider’s features editor, praised the standard of all the finalists and said: “I’ve been blown away by the quality of the entries in every category.”

In 2016, the partnership delivered One Stockport Exchange, a new five-storey, BREEAM Excellent, 50,000 sq ft office building with ground floor retail space, a 115-bed Holiday Inn Express and new pedestrianised public space. The road layout around the area was also reconfigured to improve access to the rail station, providing a dedicated drop-off facility, a new taxi rank and improved access for buses.

The judges said that Stockport Exchange was “brave and transformational” and praised how the Council and Muse worked together to understand Stockport’s commercial needs and deliver something which will truly benefit the area.

Wes Erlam, development director at Muse Developments, said: “This project is a true partnership and it’s been a pleasure to work with such a forward-thinking and proactive local authority to deliver a pioneering development for Stockport. The scheme has rejuvenated a tired and under-used leisure scheme and busy road into an attractive, vibrant new commercial quarter and impressive gateway into the town.

“It’s also been a great commercial success, with Stagecoach taking three floors of the office, both ground floor retail units let and Holiday Inn Express frequently achieving 100% occupancy.”

Caroline Simpson, Corporate Director for Place at Stockport Council, commented: “Our partnership with Muse Developments has been key to the success of Stockport Exchange. It’s rewarding to work with such an innovative and ambitious partner and we look forward to continuing our success through future phases of the development – bringing real benefits for local people and businesses.

“Stockport Exchange is a testament to the opportunities that partnership working can create and the transformation it can bring.  Within just a few months of completing work we are in the confident position that the development is almost fully let and the hotel is enjoying success beyond our expectation.”