Owners claim firms are being forced out by £20m mill plan

EXISTING business owners at a mill earmarked for a £20 million redevelopment say they are being forced out and their livelihoods put under threat.

A planning application for Meadow Mill, in central Stockport, has been submitted to the council seeking to create 217 apartments and also 30,000 sq ft of leisure and retail premises.

It says that in its current form the building is not financially viable, and only half full of ‘low quality’ tenants because of a lack of demand and its deteriorated state

But those who have had businesses there say plenty are thriving companies and they are either being asked or made to leave when they do not want to.

John Clark, 29, from Bioticfit Gym, says communication from building owners William George has been poor and little help has been given to find realistic alternative premises.

He said: “I wanted to extend my lease was told I would be able to, so spent money refurbishing my premises.

“Then I heard from the caretaker I had to be out in when my lease ends (in July).

“There has been an absolute lack of communication. The mill is full of small businesses apart from the top two floors that have been left to become uninhabitable.

“I’m struggling to find somewhere else, it would be treble the rent here, mills are ideal for start up businesses. We’re not getting any help from the developers.

“I don’t want to leave. It is short notice, lots are having the same issue and saying they are not sure if they can carry on. I am quite worried.”

William George strongly refute these claims, saying much of the mill is derelict, support has been offered to find new premises and tenants received at least a year’s notice.

But James Baynham was among owners who responded to our original article on the plans.

He said: “Businesses are being asked to leave. There are many thriving businesses.”

Sam Stars added: “This development has been trying to happen for years. I was in it for five years until I was pushed out.”

Simon Moorman, a director at William George, said: “Less than 50 per cent of the mill is let, 40 per cent of the let space is used principally for storage.

“Every tenant received a letter explaining the development proposals in early September, the letter included my personal contact details and the offer of one on one meetings.

“I have met every tenant with the exception of just three who have simply not responded at all. Roger Hannah the managing agent has been active in finding and offering alternative premises.

“There has not been one tenant who has corresponded to me that the development proposals threaten the survival of their business.”