The future vision for Stockport’s former Marks & Spencer has been revealed by development and investment company Glenbrook with the release of new images for the scheme.
The building, which has been re-branded STOK, will provide up to 64,000 sq ft of modern office accommodation, with two large open floorplates of 16,000 sq ft each, in the heart of the town. The office space will front onto Prince’s Street with the potential for a number of retail units also onto Merseyway. AW Demolition commenced the comprehensive strip out and asbestos removal works to the property in December, this work is due to be completed by May.
The project team is well underway developing the interior design of the building and it is anticipated that the full fit out works will start on site by July 2020.
Commenting on the plans for the building Chris Lloyd, Investment Director for Glenbrook said: “We believe STOK will be a real game-changer for Stockport. The town centre itself has hardly any new office space, yet it is in perfect location for an office scheme, benefitting from fantastic public transport connections, being just minutes from the motorway junction and with plenty of parking and great shops, cafes and restaurants nearby.”
He continued: “Stockport is seeing unprecedented levels of investment and change and we have already received a significant amount of interest from companies looking for high quality workspace in the heart of the town. The final configuration of the space is flexible and will be led by the requirements of the occupiers but we envisage that it will be primarily office-led, with a smaller amount of retail and leisure space to complement the mix on Merseyway.”
Glenbrook is working with architects, AEW and interior design agency, Incognito, to remodel the building which will include a central glazed atrium, the creation of two large open plan office floors in excess of 16,000 sq ft each, three 9-person lifts, cycle storage, drying facilities and a second floor outdoor terrace.
Glenbrook acquired the building from Marks & Spencer last year and have been working closely with the Council to ensure the scheme complements the ongoing plans for Stockport town centre.
Cllr David Meller, Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration at Stockport Council, said: “Following our interventionist approach by investing in Stockport Exchange, Redrock and Merseyway, it’s excellent to see private developers such as Glenbrook showing confidence in Stockport and investing in our town.
“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. I can’t wait for STOK to open and contribute to what are exciting times for Stockport.”
CBRE and Edwards & Co are agents for any office scheme enquiries and Metis Real Estate are agents for any leisure or retail opportunities. Quoting rental upon application.
