DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS:
GRAND CENTRAL, STOCKPORT
MOMENTUM BUILDS AT GRAND CENTRAL AS LOCAL COUNCILLORS APPROVE PLANNING APPLICATION
Striking plans for the complete transformation of Stockport’s family leisure destination at Grand Central have taken a step closer with the Committee approval of Targetfollow’s planning application for the scheme.
The Broadway Malyan masterplan for the scheme, which has been designed alongside Stockport Council’s ‘Future Stockport’ Town Centre Masterplan, includes the provision of new restaurants and cafes, a new hotel with conference facilities, an improved leisure provision, office accommodation, 200 new homes, shops and a new multi-storey car park of up to 1,500 spaces. The existing swimming pool, cinema and bowling facilities will continue to anchor the completed development.
Over 150 local residents, businesses and council members attended the public consultation, which was held on the scheme proposals in March 2007. Comments on the development plans for Grand Central included “very impressive and exciting”, “much-needed for the families in Stockport” and “it will breathe new life into the Town Centre”. Following on from this consultation, Targetfollow incorporated a number of suggestions into its final development plans which were approved by the Committee.
Cllr Sue Derbyshire, Deputy Leader of the Council and Executive Councillor (Regeneration) said: “I am pleased to see the ambitious plans to turn Grand Central into a family orientated area within the Town Centre have taken a significant step forward. It is the first part of the town visitors using the rail station see and this will greatly enhance that vital first impression.”
Matt Ward, Development Manager at Targetfollow, said: “This is a scheme that will have a significant positive impact on Stockport. The people and businesses of Stockport are highly supportive of our plans for Grand Central and we are looking forward to delivering a scheme which they can enjoy and be proud of.”
He adds: “The future Stockport masterplan continues to take shape and we are committed to ensuring that Grand Central will be the first milestone to accelerate Stockport’s ongoing regeneration.”