Historic former pub to be turned into flats
APUB that dates back to the 15th century and has stood empty for years is due to be converted into stylish new flats.
The Grade II-listed White Lion, which is situated on the corner of Great Underbank and Lower Hillgate in Stockport town centre, was bought by the council in 2015 to secure its future.
Now the four-storey building is set to be converted into a ‘mixed-use residential and leisure development’ by Laurus Homes – which is owned by Trafford Housing Trust.
The £2.4m scheme will see a restaurant on the ground floor with seven one-bed, three two-bed and one two-bed duplex apartments above, and is part of Stockport Council’s £7m investment in the Underbanks and Market Place area.
The complex restoration and rebuild project will be undertaken by builders Casey Construction, surveyors Anderton Gable and architects Bowker Saddler.
Paul Westhead from Laurus Homes said: “Listed sites of great historic importance like the White Lion pub can be very challenging to convert successfully and many developers won’t undertake the work because of the potential financial risks.
“However, being part of a progressive housing association like Trafford Housing Trust, which is committed to regenerating neighbourhoods rather than simply selling houses for a profit, we are able to work in partnership with local authorities and take on sensitive projects like these.
“We can also see the massive potential offered by a district like Underbanks. It’s very well located and is steeped in history, but has also faced commercial challenges meaning many buildings and shops have been vacated.
“We therefore look forward to working with Stockport Council to bring the White Lion, and possibly some other parts of the Underbanks back to life with a mix of high quality residential and sustainable commercial solutions.”
Councillor Kate Butler, cabinet member for economy and regeneration, said: “The new homes and restaurants at the White Lion are just part of the transformation taking place in Stockport’s Market Place and Underbank that will see the area once again become the place to visit, shop and live.”