Taking STOK: Smart future for old M&S
IMPRESSIVE new images offer the first glimpse of how Stockport town centre’s old M&S store could look as smart modern offices.
Property firm Glenbrook has plans to transform the former Merseyway outlet, which closed nearly two years ago, into an ‘office-led development’, also featuring some leisure space.
Work to strip out the building - re-branded as STOK - began late last year and a full makeover is expected to get underway in July, subject to planning permission.
And the firm has now released striking CGIs of how the atrium and open-plan offices proposed for the scheme could look.
Progress on the project is a further boost for the regeneration of the town centre, which is currently undergoing a massive £1bn overhaul.
Coun David Meller, cabinet member for economy and regeneration, said it was ‘excellent’ to see private developers showing confidence and investing in the town.
He said: “STOK will bring more footfall into our town centre, diversify its offer further and again showcase the massive potential our borough has and is now realising after so many years.
“The plans look fantastic and it’s testament to Glenbrook that they buy into the council’s bold vision to make our town centre fit the present and the immediate future as traditional retail becomes less of a presence - something obviously shown by them taking what was previously a well-loved Marks and Spencer and bringing a new vision for it.”
The building will feature a central glazed atrium, two large open plan office floors in excess of 16,000 sq ft each, a trio of nine-person lifts, cycle storage, drying facilities and a second floor outdoor terrace.
Fronting on to Prince’s Street, it also has the potential to house a number of retail units.
Glenbrook will be submitting a change-of-use planning application to the council in due course.