Diggers move in at historic mill
THE end finally arrived for an historic but derelict building as diggers moved in.
Springmount Mill, which dates back to the early 1800s, in Cheadle Heath was demolished after standing empty for some years.
Brinksway was closed while work took place to reduce the site to rubble.
The site of the former cotton mill is being turned into 175 new homes after developer Carpenter Investments was given planning permission for the development.
It had planned to retain some of the original buildings but high winds earlier this year made the site unsafe.
A large roof was blown off and crashed into a nearby home, injuring a man who was left needing hospital treatment.
So Carpenter had a new planning application approved last month that allowed for demolition of the unsafe site.
Resident Helen Clapcott, who witnessed the demolition, said: “Stockport lost one of its great landmarks when Brinksway was closed for the demolition of Springmount Mill.
“Demolition started after the roof went fly-about. It was a complex structure built on different levels, I think it gave the demolition squad a few challenges.”
The sites past uses also include a bleachworks and printworks as well as cotton production.
It is thought the residential development will create around 100 construction jobs and, if fully occupied, it will generate £2m in council tax payments over six years.
During its lengthy derelict spell the building had become a magnet for vandalism and fires.
Edgeley and Cheadle Heath councillor Sheila Bailey said: “This site has been an unmitigated eyesore for many years.
“There must have been a compromise of the structure, the demolition is probably the only course of action open to the developer.”
The development will have three blocks of apartments varying in height from five to eight storeys.
It will be rebuilt in its original style.