[Excerpt from SMBC press release, 18 Jan]
Salford based HBG Properties has been selected by the Council to create a flagship office and restaurant development that will complement the work already underway around St Peter’s Church. The £12m redevelopment of the site will see the creation of a contemporary design Grade A office building plus private parking and a ground floor unit suitable for a restaurant, coffee bar or showroom.
HBG’s architects, HKR of Manchester, are now working with the Council on the detail design of the complex.
[Click here, for the press release in full.]
Showing posts with label StPetersSq. Show all posts
Showing posts with label StPetersSq. Show all posts
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Friday, January 05, 2007
Council soon to choose developer for former cinema site
"Council bosses are expected to approve the sale of the former Cannon cinema site, next to Cobdens pub on the A6, to property developers next Monday." See the Metro News report, Cinema site plan boost, for the full story.
As I understand it, the Council consider this development essential to:
While I understand these points, a large part of Stockport's problem is that the town centre is invisible from the A6. A large number of commuters and travellers pass through Stockport thinking there is not much there except a Town Hall and a MacDonalds. I would have thought that some sort of visual link between the A6 and the town centre is essential to boost the commercial and tourist development of the town.
As I understand it, the Council consider this development essential to:
- fund the development of St Peters Square; and
- provide a noise barrier between the square and the A6.
While I understand these points, a large part of Stockport's problem is that the town centre is invisible from the A6. A large number of commuters and travellers pass through Stockport thinking there is not much there except a Town Hall and a MacDonalds. I would have thought that some sort of visual link between the A6 and the town centre is essential to boost the commercial and tourist development of the town.
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
A futuristic town: but will you dig it?
[Excerpt from the Stockport Express, 6/12/06, reporting on the contraversial Masterplan.]
DIGGERS and cranes were seen busy at work in Stockport town centre on the second anniversary of the council's Masterplan project last week.
The first stages of the project are now being realised with the transformation of St Peter's Square into a pedestrianised "urban park" well underway and landmark buildings, such as the Salvation Army Citadel, on Hillgate, being given a new lease of life as town centre flats.
Click on the above image for the full article.
DIGGERS and cranes were seen busy at work in Stockport town centre on the second anniversary of the council's Masterplan project last week.
The first stages of the project are now being realised with the transformation of St Peter's Square into a pedestrianised "urban park" well underway and landmark buildings, such as the Salvation Army Citadel, on Hillgate, being given a new lease of life as town centre flats.
Click on the above image for the full article.
Time capsule?
Has anyone heard of their being a time capsule under Cobden from the last time he was moved or is this just a myth? When was thelast time he was moved?
Friday, November 17, 2006
The Changing Face Of Stockport
[SMBC press release]
138 new homes, £30m of business investment and a world renowned development partner. This is just some of what has been delivered in Stockport since the launch of Future Stockport two years ago.
As the Council celebrates a successful 2nd anniversary for the £500m town centre regeneration plan, Stockport residents are seeing for themselves a town undergoing a transformation. The presence of cranes and diggers show the reality of a changing town and St Peter's Square is a prime example.
138 new homes, £30m of business investment and a world renowned development partner. This is just some of what has been delivered in Stockport since the launch of Future Stockport two years ago.
As the Council celebrates a successful 2nd anniversary for the £500m town centre regeneration plan, Stockport residents are seeing for themselves a town undergoing a transformation. The presence of cranes and diggers show the reality of a changing town and St Peter's Square is a prime example.
Friday, September 29, 2006
Park plan for town square
A SCHEME to transform Stockport's St Peter's Square into a 3.3-acre urban park have been revealed.
The new civic space, with scores of new trees, a water feature and imaginative lighting, will be created over the next three years as part of the Future Stockport regeneration plans for the town.
[Click on the above image for the full story.]
The new civic space, with scores of new trees, a water feature and imaginative lighting, will be created over the next three years as part of the Future Stockport regeneration plans for the town.
[Click on the above image for the full story.]
Thursday, June 15, 2006
Cobden on the move
STOCKPORT'S historic statue of famous son Richard Cobden could be on the move.
The council wants to move the Grade II listed statue, which currently stands on a traffic island on St Petersgate, to a new open space in St Peter's Square.
[Click on image for the full story.]
The council wants to move the Grade II listed statue, which currently stands on a traffic island on St Petersgate, to a new open space in St Peter's Square.
[Click on image for the full story.]
Saturday, January 21, 2006
Stockport Times/Express reports
For the full stories refer to the Stockport Times.
Let's test the canal water
The feasibility of re-opening the canal from Ashton to Broadstone Mill Reddish depends on the results of the suil used to in-fill the canal (not water as suggested by the headline). There is 80,000 cubic metres of the stuff. It it's contaminated that will be a mjor problem. Under modern law, if the in-fill is contaminated with even just trace elements of the noxious chemicals which were common-place in manufacturing until relatively recently, the preferred strategy is to leave it where it is. Once disturbed, then the contractor becomes responsible for removing, moving and containing the contaminated soil which can be very expensive.
For more details on the history of the canal and the plans for re-opening, see the latest edition of Stockport Heritage Magazine.
Land to be sold to fund square
Where the Cannon Cinema once stood on the A6, is an attractively landscaped area linking Garrick Theatre, the Hat Works, and an excellent Chinese Buffet with the Plaza, Stockport Village and St Peter's. The Council plans to sell this land to ehlp fund the St Peter's Masterplan.
Sandy Penfold, Assistant Director of Regeneration, is quoted as saying, "The original purchase and demolition of the Cannon Cinema was funded through European money with the intention that it would be temporarily landscaped to allow for future development.
"However, when any open space has been there for a while, it has certain beneficial characteristics. So we wanted to make sure any development would allow for the creation of a better public space."
"St Peter's Square will become an important nucleus for the town's evening economy. So a restaurant would be appropriate but it could also be used for office space."
It does seem counter-productive to build over one public space to create another public space. The explanation is that it is hoped that a new building will help shield the square from fumes and noise pollution from the A6. I thought the point of the plan was to draw people into Stockport not turn its back on the A6.
Gay history celebrated
February is Gay Bisexual Trans History Month. People Like Us Stockport (PLUS), Age Concern Stockport and other agencies are holding a number of events.
Tesco 'plan breaches' row grows
This Times article makes a big thing of a Friends of the Earth report. All the report says of Stockport is, "In Stockport, Tesco's drive to dominate has resulted in planning restrictions being ignored, with the new store 20 per cent larger than planning permission allowed." The article also refers to Forum of Private Business report, also claiming that Tesco is "too powerful, too greedy and too dominant", but no reference to Stockport. Elswhere in the times, a headline reads, "Tesco 'much needed' says councillor", this relates to Coun. Kevin Hogg supporting a new Tesco Express on Macclesfield Road, Hazel Grove.
Snubbed! Ikea picks Ashton site
This Express report reveals that Ikea has given up on building on Tiviot Way and has chosen an Ashton site.
Let's test the canal water
The feasibility of re-opening the canal from Ashton to Broadstone Mill Reddish depends on the results of the suil used to in-fill the canal (not water as suggested by the headline). There is 80,000 cubic metres of the stuff. It it's contaminated that will be a mjor problem. Under modern law, if the in-fill is contaminated with even just trace elements of the noxious chemicals which were common-place in manufacturing until relatively recently, the preferred strategy is to leave it where it is. Once disturbed, then the contractor becomes responsible for removing, moving and containing the contaminated soil which can be very expensive.
For more details on the history of the canal and the plans for re-opening, see the latest edition of Stockport Heritage Magazine.
Land to be sold to fund square
Where the Cannon Cinema once stood on the A6, is an attractively landscaped area linking Garrick Theatre, the Hat Works, and an excellent Chinese Buffet with the Plaza, Stockport Village and St Peter's. The Council plans to sell this land to ehlp fund the St Peter's Masterplan.
Sandy Penfold, Assistant Director of Regeneration, is quoted as saying, "The original purchase and demolition of the Cannon Cinema was funded through European money with the intention that it would be temporarily landscaped to allow for future development.
"However, when any open space has been there for a while, it has certain beneficial characteristics. So we wanted to make sure any development would allow for the creation of a better public space."
"St Peter's Square will become an important nucleus for the town's evening economy. So a restaurant would be appropriate but it could also be used for office space."
It does seem counter-productive to build over one public space to create another public space. The explanation is that it is hoped that a new building will help shield the square from fumes and noise pollution from the A6. I thought the point of the plan was to draw people into Stockport not turn its back on the A6.
Gay history celebratedFebruary is Gay Bisexual Trans History Month. People Like Us Stockport (PLUS), Age Concern Stockport and other agencies are holding a number of events.
Tesco 'plan breaches' row grows
This Times article makes a big thing of a Friends of the Earth report. All the report says of Stockport is, "In Stockport, Tesco's drive to dominate has resulted in planning restrictions being ignored, with the new store 20 per cent larger than planning permission allowed." The article also refers to Forum of Private Business report, also claiming that Tesco is "too powerful, too greedy and too dominant", but no reference to Stockport. Elswhere in the times, a headline reads, "Tesco 'much needed' says councillor", this relates to Coun. Kevin Hogg supporting a new Tesco Express on Macclesfield Road, Hazel Grove.
Snubbed! Ikea picks Ashton site
This Express report reveals that Ikea has given up on building on Tiviot Way and has chosen an Ashton site.
Saturday, November 05, 2005
St Peter's Square Masterplan
SMBC have upgraded their pages about St Peter's Square Masterplan. It includes a 6 page document of computer generated views and an aerial photo.
There is also an online questionnaire. So you don't need to find the 'Stockpod' to comment.
The questionnaire is cleverly constructed. The first question is, "What are your first impressions?", so even if you answer "poor" (the most negative response allowed for) it could be dismissed as a first impression. After that, the questions are: what in the square needs the most improvement, what are the most important aspects of the new design and , what would you use St Peters for if the improvements are made. So a negative response is impossible. The closest you can get to a negative response, is to leave the answers blank, but that just excludes you from the statistics. Well done SMBC for producing a questionnaire which guarantees that every response can be used to show support for the scheme.
I trust that canny Stopfordians will not limit themselves to answering the questions and tell the Council what they really think.
Not that we necessarily have to be negative about the plan, I would just like to see a more genuine consultation.
There is also an online questionnaire. So you don't need to find the 'Stockpod' to comment.
The questionnaire is cleverly constructed. The first question is, "What are your first impressions?", so even if you answer "poor" (the most negative response allowed for) it could be dismissed as a first impression. After that, the questions are: what in the square needs the most improvement, what are the most important aspects of the new design and , what would you use St Peters for if the improvements are made. So a negative response is impossible. The closest you can get to a negative response, is to leave the answers blank, but that just excludes you from the statistics. Well done SMBC for producing a questionnaire which guarantees that every response can be used to show support for the scheme.
I trust that canny Stopfordians will not limit themselves to answering the questions and tell the Council what they really think.
Not that we necessarily have to be negative about the plan, I would just like to see a more genuine consultation.
Recent news items
A review of recent heritage and history news items:
STOCKPORT TIMES
St Peter's Square Development
Stockport Times West has an article on the Masterplan for St Peter's Square. See if you can catch the elusive "Stockpod".
Monday, 7 November, 11am-4.30pm, Warren Street
Tuesday-Wednesday, 8-9 November, 11am-4.30pm, St Peter's Square
The plans will then be on display in St Peter's Church, 10-25 November
"Questionnaires will be available during the consultation and FREEPOST postcards available in Central Library, Council buildings, Tourist Information Centre and other community access points to feedback comments."
The deadline for public comment is Monday 28 November. Work on the site is expected to start by the end of 2006.
You will find links to the Masterplan on the left hand side bar.
£1 million needed to save St Mary's
This is Rev Roger Scoones estimate of the possible total repair bill for St Mary's Churchgate. He believes that it could cost £20,000 just to repair the stonework round the clock. An application is being made to English Heritage for a lottery grant.
(Previous posts: Marketplace News, St Mary's Clock.)
More conservation areas
Consultation is underway for conservation areas in Bramhall, the Heatons, Marple and Heavily. Future plans include Edgeley, Heatherlow and Chadkirk Estate.
STOCKPORT EXPRESS WEBSITE
World War 1 mustard gas discovered in Woodford
I posted something about phone masts only yesterday evening, I didn't realise Hazel Grove was featured in the news: Woman claims masts have damaged health.
I am not about the conflicting claims of the health issues concerning mobile phones. It is a subject very close to the heart of my mum, who is convinced that low level pulsing interferes with sleep patterns and causes health problems.
STOCKPORT TIMES
St Peter's Square Development
Stockport Times West has an article on the Masterplan for St Peter's Square. See if you can catch the elusive "Stockpod".
Monday, 7 November, 11am-4.30pm, Warren Street
Tuesday-Wednesday, 8-9 November, 11am-4.30pm, St Peter's Square
The plans will then be on display in St Peter's Church, 10-25 November
"Questionnaires will be available during the consultation and FREEPOST postcards available in Central Library, Council buildings, Tourist Information Centre and other community access points to feedback comments."
The deadline for public comment is Monday 28 November. Work on the site is expected to start by the end of 2006.
You will find links to the Masterplan on the left hand side bar.
£1 million needed to save St Mary's
This is Rev Roger Scoones estimate of the possible total repair bill for St Mary's Churchgate. He believes that it could cost £20,000 just to repair the stonework round the clock. An application is being made to English Heritage for a lottery grant.
(Previous posts: Marketplace News, St Mary's Clock.)
More conservation areas
Consultation is underway for conservation areas in Bramhall, the Heatons, Marple and Heavily. Future plans include Edgeley, Heatherlow and Chadkirk Estate.
STOCKPORT EXPRESS WEBSITE
World War 1 mustard gas discovered in Woodford
I posted something about phone masts only yesterday evening, I didn't realise Hazel Grove was featured in the news: Woman claims masts have damaged health.
I am not about the conflicting claims of the health issues concerning mobile phones. It is a subject very close to the heart of my mum, who is convinced that low level pulsing interferes with sleep patterns and causes health problems.
Thursday, October 13, 2005
Over 1,200 new flats, based around St Peter's Square and Hillgate, are planned to go up within the next 5 years
STOCKPORT is set to receive a £100 million cash injection as an urban housing boom promises to breath new life into the town centre.
Over 1,200 new flats, based around St Peter's Square and Hillgate, are planned to go up within the next five years.
Construction work or planning proceedings have already started on more than ten developments and include proposals for a 110 bedroom hotel off St Peter's Square.
Council officials believe the draw of over 2,000, mainly young adults into the area will provide a major boost for the local economy.
The investment represents the first major step towards the £500 million 'Masterplan' vision for the town centre, which was trumpeted by the council at a launch exhibition last December.
Masterplan project director Sandy Penfold said: "You need a resident population to stimulate an area; a town centre without people living in it is dead."...
Follow the title link to read the full story in the Stockport Express.
Over 1,200 new flats, based around St Peter's Square and Hillgate, are planned to go up within the next five years.
Construction work or planning proceedings have already started on more than ten developments and include proposals for a 110 bedroom hotel off St Peter's Square.
Council officials believe the draw of over 2,000, mainly young adults into the area will provide a major boost for the local economy.
The investment represents the first major step towards the £500 million 'Masterplan' vision for the town centre, which was trumpeted by the council at a launch exhibition last December.
Masterplan project director Sandy Penfold said: "You need a resident population to stimulate an area; a town centre without people living in it is dead."...
Follow the title link to read the full story in the Stockport Express.
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