Restoration of one of Stockport’s oldest mills nears completion as Capital&Centric reveals new images and discoveries
Capital&Centric has shared new images of the £60m restoration of Weir Mill, one of Stockport’s oldest and most iconic buildings. The images reveal a striking cantilever walkway and the rediscovery of ancient steps that date back to the 1700s, long before the mills were constructed.
These steps, predating the mill’s cotton works era in the 18th and 19th centuries, are the latest find in the rich story of the site’s past. They will be carefully restored and put on show to future residents, viewable from the new cantilever walkway that will lead to the river terrace. This terrace will open a public space overlooking the River Mersey, perfect for riverside evenings.
Weir Mill has played a central role in Stockport’s industrial heritage, standing as a witness to generations of change. Originally built as a cotton works, it was partially redesigned after a devastating fire and later evolved in use throughout the 20th century.
Now, Capital&Centric is writing a new chapter for the mill, transforming the site into 253 new apartments for rent. This new neighbourhood is designed to set a higher standard for rentals, with a dedicated on-site team and services including cleaning and pet-sitting. Residents will have access to an app to connect with neighbours, join events, claim discounts and report maintenance issues.
On completion, the site will feature a lush green outdoor space for residents and the wider community, with new planting and trees. Plans also include independent bars, restaurants and shops, creating a vibrant new destination for Stockport and visitors alike.
Capital&Centric is actively seeking the best indie operators to join the scheme, with the first tenants to be announced soon.
Weir Mill sits at the heart of Stockport’s Town Centre West masterplan – a 130-acre regeneration district led by Stockport MDC. This ambitious project will deliver 4,000 new homes, community spaces, green areas, workspaces and significant transport improvements.
Tom Wilmot, Joint Managing Director at Capital&Centric, said:
“Weir Mill’s restoration has uncovered fascinating pieces of history. Discoveries like the 17th-century steps are unusual and they give us another chance to bring the story of the site to life through the restoration. We’re excited to show them to future residents.
“Stockport has changed dramatically since we started, and we can’t wait to open the doors and welcome visitors and the community later this year.”
Cllr Mark Roberts, Leader of Stockport Council, said:
“Weir Mill is a flagship scheme within the UK's largest town centre regeneration and shows why Stockport is being recognised nationally as a place that delivers.
"We’re breathing new life into a site that’s stood here for centuries, creating homes, green space and independent businesses that will help shape the next chapter of our town centre.
"As we look to expand the MDC boundary, Weir Mill sets the tone: bold design, big ambition, strong partnerships, and delivery that shows what the MDC and Town Centre West are all about, creating places that people want to live, work and spend time.”
Once complete, the £60m Weir Mill project will feature:
Chestergate and King Street West: A new gateway into the town centre, with ground floor spaces for independent shops, cafes or delis and plenty of lush greenery.
Water Front: A new public space looking out across the River Mersey, providing a place for riverside chilling in the evening sun.
Weir Mill East: Sensitively designed new buildings featuring a mix of homes, drawing inspiration from the site’s manufacturing history.
Weavers Square: What will become the heart of the scheme and a new destination for Stockport. The old cast iron columns of Weavers Shed are being retained to create a vibrant new outdoor space for riverside street markets, DJ sets, live music events and performing arts.
West Shed: A striking indoor space with exposed brick vaulted arches and cast-iron columns, creating a relaxed space to take your laptop, grab a coffee and while away the day.
West Courtyard: The former working courtyard to the mills, this will be a quieter, more contemplative garden space for residents and the general public to chill out, with plants, trees and secluded spaces to explore, as well as amenities for residents including rooftop terrace, BBQs and private dining spaces.
Anyone interested in living at Weir Mill are being encouraged to register their interest. To call first dibs on an apartment, head to https://www.olloliving.co.uk/locations/weir-mill-stockport.
Weir Mill is one of eight live construction sites for the developers who invest £3million a week in regeneration and are continuing their expansion into new towns and cities across the UK, like Buxton, Wolverhampton, Gateshead, Sheffield, Stoke-on-Trent and Cambridge.