‘Landmark’ cylindrical apartment block planned for Stockport

Developer Promised Way wants to construct a 52-apartment block and convert a grade two-listed engine house into homes.

Set on more than half an acre of brownfield south of Stitch Lane in Heaton Norris, the proposed development would consist of largely two-bedroom apartments alongside ten one-bed homes and one three-bed flat.

The three-bed flat would sit within the refurbished engine house, constructed by London and North Western Railway Company in 1877.

Currently, the engine house holds an electrical substation. Its structure has suffered from a lack of “sympathetic maintenance” since it was listed in 1975, according to a design and access statement from Stockport-based architect PZvi.

Consultant Spencer Heritage Services advised the developer that the interior of the engine house was neither rare nor complete, meaning it had minimal historical value. Thus, while the exterior is largely preserved under the proposals, the interior will be altered and a mezzanine installed.

In addition to the three-bed home, there would also be a two-bed apartment within the engine house.

View of the apartments from the junction of Wellington Road North and Bowerfold Lane. Credit: via planning dodcuments

The new-build apartment block near the engine house would have 52 flats spread out across eight floors.

Its cylindrical shape was chosen to draw eyes to the engine house, as well as to pay homage to the rail turntable that previously existed on the site. Predominately clad in brick, the building would have a glazed-roof atrium to provide light to each of the internal levels.

Residents on the lower ground floor would have their own private garden, while others would enjoy balconies. A communal garden is proposed on the top floor.

Under the application submitted by Kenyon Planning on Promised Way’s behalf, there would be 29 car spaces, including two disability bays. There would also be cycle storage for 52 bicycles.

If planning permission is granted, Kenyon Planning said the project would “provide a ‘landmark’ development on a major route in and out of Stockport”.

Aside from Kenyon and PZvi,  the project team for the scheme includes arboricultural consultant Ascerta Landscape, ecology and drainage strategy consultant BEK Enviro, transport and air quality consultant Hydrock, daylight and energy assessor Stroma, and RS Acoustics.

The application’s reference number with Stockport Council is DC/086406 for the general plans and DC/086407 for the listed building consent.