Fit for a king! Images reveal Royal George urban village
THESE striking new images show how part of a town could be transformed, as a major redevelopment project takes another step forward.
The Investar Property Group has submitted a detailed planning application outlining the development of part of the Stockport College campus into a new ‘urban village.’
Named Royal George Village, it will feature more than 440 apartments, as well as office space for business and start- ups.
Two new artist impressions show how parts of the development, including a 16-storey apartment block overlooking the A6, could look.
The three-acre site, bounded by Greek Street and Wellington Road South, currently consists of six buildings, two of which would be retained.
The design, by DAY Architectural, would see the Torkington Building converted into 122 apartments, while The Lyme Centre will be demolished and replaced with a new 258 apartment building.
Elsewhere a new building on the corner of Greek Street and Royal George Street would provide 62 apartments, while the Grade II-listed former Metropolitan Girls’ School building would be converted into a co-working space.
Public and civic space would be created with the demolition of the Hexagon lecture hall, while the University Centre would be razed to create public open space, as well as a private garden for residents.
Investar chief executive Michael Dong said: “Despite the restrictions of the last eight weeks the team has worked tremendously hard to take on board the comments made during the extended consultation period to finalise the plans and ensure we are on track to deliver this ground-breaking scheme.”
Investar was selected as preferred developer last November to redevelop surplus college land and buildings.
The plans have been submitted as a joint application with The Trafford College Group, which operates the college.
Investar head of development James Alderson added: “The plans embrace the old and welcome the new to create a real sense of place, a place with character and open space, within walking distance of good public transport and local facilities.
“This is not a gated community but a new neighbourhood at the heart of the town which will be accessible to all. It fits the local authority’s huge ambition to provide high quality new homes and retain and create jobs while adding social and economic value.”
The scheme would be built in three phases allowing the college to lease back the Lyme Building and the Greek Street Building until its new campus is completed.
Michelle Leslie, vice-principal for corporate services and planning at The Trafford College Group, said: “We are pleased to see the planning application reach the submission stage of the process and we are looking forward to the next stage of the project working with our colleagues at the Investar Property Group.”
Subject to planning being approved, work would start on site early next year with the conversion of the Torkington Building.
The entire development is expected to be completed by the end of 2024.