Cityheart starts Stopford Park’s £23m second phase

The 122-flat development known as Torkington sits on the site of the former Stockport College.

Contractor Headoffice³ will undertake construction. The firm plans to retain the college’s original frame to reduce emissions.

The £23m Torkington is scheduled to be completed by autumn 2026. Work follows the start in February of the £10m Bosden building as the project’s first phase.

On offer will be a mix of one- and two-bedroom BTR apartments with amenities, including a rooftop terrace and a residents’ lounge.

The former Metropolitan Girls’ School on Greek Street will also be reset into a flexible workspace named Cheers & Smith, with an emphasis on local business use.

DAY Architects designed the scheme, which will also provide commercial use on its ground floor, with a desire to activate the public realm designed by landscape architect Layer.

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Craig Smith, director of Headoffice³, said progress has already been made on-site and that he was keen to work with Cityheart.

He said: “We look forward to showcasing our expertise in large-scale refurbishment projects. By restoring and repurposing the building’s existing concrete frame rather than opting for demolition and new construction, we will significantly reduce the project’s carbon footprint.”

Cityheart’s £120m project has three major residential components. Credit: via Inform Communications

Stopford Park, when complete, will host three residential developments, totalling 442 apartments on three acres off Greek Street and Wellington Road in Stockport’s town centre.

Greg Ball, development director at Cityheart, said: “The appointment of Headoffice³ to deliver Torkington follows hot on the heels of Oak Construction Projects starting work on Bosden.

“These two residential buildings will result in the fulfilment of both build-to-rent and open market sales in 2026.

“Torkington will set a new benchmark in build-to-rent residential living in Stockport.

“Stopford Park is going to be an exciting space for a new community to live, work, and socialise and we’re pleased to be making such good progress with both of our construction teams.”

Nearby, Oak Construction Projects is already building Bosden, a 62-flat scheme being delivered as part of the project’s £10m first phase.

Lyme, the largest of the three builds, will rise to 16 storeys and host 258 apartments.

Developer Cityheart bought the £120m project, then known as Royal George Village, in December 2023, following the collapse of previous developer Investar.