Small Steps For Stockport's Grand Central

PLANS to revive Stockport's 4.7 hectare Grand Central scheme are progressing slowly a year after the local council bought the site.

The council acquired the site in January after plans to redevelop it with Norwich-based developer Targetfollow fell through. One of the developer's subsidiaries, Targetfollow Property Holdings, went into administration. 

"We mean business - we bought the site to guarantee positive action, and that’s exactly what we’re doing.”

Muse Developments was appointed by the council last year to redevelop a scheme it claims can generate up to 700 new jobs and attract up to a further £100m in private sector investment. 

Planning consent has now been granted for a new multi-storey car park on the site, after the council secured a £5m grant from Network Rail to help pay for it. 

Work has now started to provide temporary car parking for commuters and users of existing leisure facilities in the period leading up to, and during, its construction.

Un-occupied public house The Cube has been demolished to make way for a 42-space temporary car park. The tenpin bowling alley will be closing down in February and is slated for demolition in March, making way for another 150 parking spaces.

Councillor Dave Goddard, Leader of Stockport Council, said: “We’re making great progress so far on the regeneration of Grand Central, since buying it last year.

“Part of our plan is to provide an excellent offer to commuters, and make it more convenient for people to take the train. To make sure there is minimal disruption while we construct the new multi-story car park, we are making sure that temporary parking is provided for commuters and users of the leisure facilities.

“We’re working closely with our development partner Muse to create a premier office and commuter destination, which will create jobs, attract investment and benefit the borough. We mean business - we bought the site to guarantee positive action, and that’s exactly what we’re doing.”