MILLS DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2005 – 2015: Strategy for the Regeneration of Stockport’S Historic Textile Works

Home , Cheadle Lower Mill, Cotton mill, Hat Works, Meadow Mill, Pear New Mill, Portwood

MILLS DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2005 – 2015: Strategy for the regeneration of Stockport’s historic textile works

CONTENTS

PAGES

1. INTRODUCTION 2 - 6

2. THE MILL RESOURCE 7 - 11

3. PLANNING POLICY 12 - 14

4. REGENERATION PRIORITIES 15 - 17

5. ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES 18 - 23

6. ACTION PLAN 24 - 31

APPENDIX I LIST OF STANDING MILL BUILDINGS

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Purpose

In common with many North West towns, Stockport has a rich legacy of former mill buildings, developed as part of the town’s growth as an important textile centre. Although mass production in this industry has now disappeared, the mill buildings remain as a significant part of the economic and physical fabric of the town. They are an important asset, but one that needs to be managed carefully. This report has been prepared in response to a need to develop a strategic approach to maximise opportunities presented by the mill resource. The purpose of this report and strategy is to:

(a) Outline the current position with regard to the mill resource. (b) Outline the key issues facing the mill resource. (c) Set down an overall strategy, objectives and action plan to guide the future development and use of mill buildings and sites within the town.

The Mills Development Plan is adopted by the Council as a strategy document. As an outcome of the strategy (see the Action Plan accompanying this document) planning briefs will be developed on key sites and these documents will be incorporated into either the existing Unitary Development Plan or the planned Local Development Framework.

1.2 Definition of the mill resource

The strategy takes as its main focus the 64 historic textile sites remaining from the 18 th , 19 th and early 20 th century textile industry. Included are bleach, print, dye, machinery, rope works and warehouses associated with Stockport’s cotton industry plus Stockport’s hat works and associated tannery and fur works of the same period. From hereon the word mill in this document should be taken to refer only to these works listed above and associated with Stockport’s textile industry. This report does not cover Stockport’s non textile production sites of a similar date which are varied in their form and function (e.g. breweries, food production sites, paper mills and engineering sites).

The textile industry was Stockport’s earliest and main major industry during the process of industrialisation. Stockport also had a prominent hatting industry which was a major employer in the town. Many of the towns other industrial processing and engineering sites grew up around and subsequent to these industries. This survey concentrates on the sites and standing buildings of former textile works for the following reasons: • The large scale production of textiles no longer exists in Stockport. • Cotton mills share a common architecture. • The architecture, location and lack of modern facilities within most textile mills require careful planning appraisal to identify sustainable and workable conversion of mill buildings for present day use. • Later hat works were sometimes based within cotton mills or had large scale purpose built premises that share some similarities with cotton mills.

• Both early and later hat work sites are becoming increasingly rare in Stockport. • The textile and hatting industries are a significant part of Stockport’s history and environment.

1.3 Mills Survey - Methodology

A survey carried out in 1983 by the Council suggested that these buildings represented a significant proportion of redundant space in Stockport. The results of the 1984 survey carried out by the Royal Commission of Historic Monuments and the Greater Manchester Archaeological Unit (GMAU) are held by GMAU. This survey showed that mill buildings are a significant element of Stockport’s historic environment. The decline of the cotton and hatting industries in Stockport has meant that many textile sites have been replaced by subsequent development. Most of the remaining buildings have now variously found other economic uses, although a number of buildings are underused or stand empty.

The Council has recent experience in cotton mill conversion through the Houldsworth Mill flagship project, and has also supported other smaller scale regeneration works in Portwood. It is apparent through this work that mills present further regeneration opportunities in Stockport.

In order to develop a framework and strategy for Stockport’s mills a desktop and site survey of all mill buildings was carried out in late 2004 to early 2005. This was supplemented by detailed research using library and Internet sources and followed up by contact and discussion with other local authorities and organisations such as the Greater Manchester Archaeological Unit. A small project team was established to carry out the work led by the Regeneration Section. A Scrutiny Review of the mill resource took place in 2005. A report prepared by Scrutiny covering issues, opportunities and a way forward was approved by the Scrutiny Committee on 14 June 2005. All of these activities inform this document.

1.4 Distribution of mill resource

The following map shows the original distribution of textile works that were built in Stockport. Buildings are colour coded to show whether they still stand today and where applicable their designated heritage status. Sites are concentrated within Stockport’s Town Centre and along the rivers and canals.

3 AA ● Former textile site LineLine ofof formerformer AshtonAshton CanalCanal ● Standing textile site

# ● Standing Listed textile site # AA # ● Standing Locally Listed textile site # AA # AA # # RiverRiver TameTame AA # ## RiverRiver TameTame # A6A6 # # #AA A6A6 # AA #### AA PeakPeak ForestForest CanalCanal # # PeakPeak ForestForest CanalCanal # # RiverRiver EtherowEtherow ## # # # # ## ## # # # AA ## ## # ## ## AA # # # # # # # # ## # ## RiverRiver GoytGoyt # ### # # RiverRiver GoytGoyt RiverRiver MerseyMersey ## # # # RiverRiver MerseyMersey ### # AA # # # # # # # # # # ## # # # AA # # # # # # # # # # AA # # # AA # MickerMicker BrookBrook # # # AA # PoisePoise BrookBrook A6A6 AA # # # # AA AA AA # AA MacclesfieldMacclesfield CanalCanal AA # # A6A6 AA

Title: Distribution of textile sites built in Stockport Date: 14 Mar 2007 Regeneration, Environment and Economy Directorate Scale 1 : 90000 Reproduced from the 2007 Ordnance Survey 1250 mapping with the permission of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationary Office.  Crown Copyright. Stockport MBC LA100019571. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown Copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil

A Brief History of Stockport’s Textile Industries

1.5 Origins of Stockport’s Cotton Industry

The weaving of wool and linen cloth was one of Stockport’s earliest industries. The first textile factories in Stockport, however, were silk spinning mills. As early as 1732 a silk mill was built in Portwood. Stockport was one of the textile industry’s earliest and leading centres in the industrial revolution. Mills grew up around the rivers of the Goyt, Tame and Mersey utilising water for power. By 1770 there were more than 12 silk mills in the town centre. By the 1780’s when the cotton industry began to take off in Stockport the slump in the silk industry provided a ready made resource of empty mill buildings for conversion to cotton. In the early 19 th century cotton spinning in Stockport was surpassed only by that of Manchester. Two Stockport mill owners William Horrocks and Peter Marsland improved the design of the power loom developed in the 1780’s. They each patented efficient steam powered looms in the early years of the 19 th century. By 1806 there were 4 power loom factories in England 2 of which were in Stockport. By 1812 at least 6 Stockport firms were using power looms making Stockport the first centre of powerloom weaving. From the late 1780’s onwards the manufacture of cotton textiles was Stockport’s largest industry, with its wages supporting an estimated 75% of the town’s population. In 1851 more than half the working population were employed in the industry. Between the late 18 th century and early 20 th century at least 95 cotton spinning, weaving and finishing factories were built in Stockport.

1.6 Hatting

There is written evidence for a small scale hatting industry in Stockport from the 1650’s onwards. From the 1750’s the prominence of Chester in the hatting industry faded. By the 19 th century Stockport and Denton in neighbouring Tameside were at the centre of Britain’s hatting industry producing hats for London based companies such as Christy and Co. In 1870 the full mechanisation of the hatting industry was achieved and Stockport’s hatting industry appears to have peaked towards the end of the 19 th century when it employed nearly 5,000 workers. Numerous works buildings and a limited number of large scale mills were built to house Stockport’s third largest industry.

The main sources for the information provided above are Peter Arrowsmith’s, ‘History of Stockport’, Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council, Community Services, 1997. and Penny McKnight’s ‘Stockport Hatting’, Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council, Community Services,

2000. These publications should be consulted for a more in depth view of the importance and role of these industries in Stockport.

1.7 Decline

The hatting industry declined from the 1920’s, with the last working hat factory in Stockport being Christy and Co. who closed their Hillgate site in 1997. There was a brief boom in the textile industry after World War I, however post World War II the textile industry faded and in 1959 Government subsidies were provided for companies exiting the industry. The bulk of Stockport’s textile mills ceased production by the 1970’s but Cataract Bridge Mills, Marple was the last working textile mill in Stockport, closing as recently as 2004. A number of the mill buildings were replaced by 1960’s, 70’s and 80’s development for a variety of reasons including the building of the M60 motorway. More recently mills have been replaced by residential developments. Today there are 48 of the cotton mills remaining plus 16 hat and textile related works. Of these 64 buildings most of the building complexes are standing, although most have undergone some small scale redevelopment. There has however been some extensive redevelopment and demolition of buildings within some sites. Planning permission has been granted for the demolition and redevelopment of 4 sites to provide housing.

2. THE MILL RESOURCE

2.1 Ownership and occupation

All of the 64 sites are in private ownership with 21 of them occupied by the site owner’s business, 37 sites provide commercial and residential space either through a site manager or property agent. There are currently 6 buildings standing empty.

2.2 Range of uses within mill buildings

The mill buildings have found a remarkably diverse range of economic employment generating uses including:

• Construction Trades • Creative Industries • Engineering • Food Production • Furniture • High Tech • Industrial • Leisure • Office Space • Residential • Retail • Service Industry • Wholesale

2.3 General condition

The mill buildings are often substantial and dominant physical features. Their continued existence is testament to high standards of construction. However, in many cases building condition is a growing cause of concern since investment levels have been varied across the resource. A visual appraisal of apparent condition has been carried out and considered along with any information provided by building owners since in the majority of cases no thorough condition or structural surveys exist. Generally there are varying states of building condition, these range from buildings that have undergone extensive repairs as part of a conversion project through to derelict and ruinous sites. In the medium range there are industrial and commercial premises where there is usually a relationship between occupation levels and building condition. The buildings in this category are generally basically maintained although there are examples of

industrial estates that are managed to high standards. In most cases where site maintenance is basic the size and age of the buildings mean that repairs and facelift work are needed.

Building Condition Assessment

POOR 17% GOOD 28%

FAIR 55%

2.4 Heritage Value

Of the 64 mill sites, 9 have protection as statutorily listed buildings (4 of these listed buildings are also located within a conservation area). There are 5 unlisted buildings that are within conservation areas. Therefore 14 buildings have some form of protection against demolition under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990. A further 4 sites are on the Council’s Local List giving them some protection. Therefore 18 sites have some form of designation (28% of all sites). Council is currently undertaking a review of the Local List and Conservation Areas. There are a further 15 mill sites where further investigation will be carried out in order to ascertain whether there is potential for incorporation into existing conservation areas or whether sites can be added to the Local List. The other sites also have archaeological potential in the form of both standing buildings and below ground archaeology, and will be included on the Sites and Monuments Record once the current update of Stockport’s record has been completed. Inclusion on the Sites and Monuments Record ensures that the sites are recognised as part of the planning process. All the mill sites are listed on the Greater Manchester Sites and Monuments database and therefore the

Sites and Monuments Officer must be consulted on all planning applications affecting mill sites. Where deemed necessary the Sites and Monuments Officer as part of the planning process can recommend that a record of a site be undertaken.

2.5 Site Area and Floor Space

The sites of mill buildings in Stockport cover approximately 137 acres (55.5 hectares). Information on floor space is presented throughout the report in square feet, as this is the convention used by most mill owners. Stockport’s 64 textile mill buildings present a potential 5,984,200 square feet of business and residential floor space.

2.6 Use of floor space

The following chart summarises the current types of use and amount of vacant floor space based on information gathered during the survey and a search of the Property Pilot database carried out in August 2005.

Floorspace by type

3,000,000

2,500,000

2,000,000

1,500,000

1,000,000 square feet

500,000

0 Industrial Vacant Residential Storage Office Leisure Retail % 45% 22% 9% 8% 7% 5% 4% ft2 2,700,000 1,287,500 545,000 485,600 410,600 296,300 259,200

Industrial

As the chart shows the majority of floor space within the 64 mill buildings in Stockport is used for manufacturing and industrial purposes and provides a source of relatively cheap floor space for a large number of Stockport’s businesses.

Residential

Stockport’s mill buildings provide 656 apartments as set out below: Houldsworth Mill, Reddish - 70 apartments (Housing Association) Wellington Mill, Town Centre - 55 apartments (Private) Woodley Mill, Woodley - 45 apartments (Private) New Mill, Reddish - 486 (Private under construction)

Leisure

Stockport mills are increasingly home to a variety of leisure uses. Stockport’s Hat Works Museum is housed in Wellington Mill and there are artists’ studios in Vernon Mill and Hallam Mill. Houldsworth Mill provides a leisure club, swimming pool and gymnasium and there are gymnasiums in Pear New Mill and Throstle Bank Mill. Space within several other mills is used for martial arts training and one building provides skateboarding facilities.

Retail

Retail uses are found in a small number of Stockport’s mills. These include both retail and wholesale shopping notably in Houldsworth, Broadstone, Meadow, Vernon and Pear New mills.

Vacant Floor Space

Vacant floor space arises where either a whole building is standing empty or in occupied buildings generally on the upper floors (particularly in the larger spinning mill buildings where internal access arrangements can be poor e.g. no passenger and freight lifts) or furthest away from the buildings only or main stairwell. Reasons for current vacant floor space include, planned redevelopment of the site, space to let, the need for repairs or adaptations and dereliction. In total the mill survey indicates that 1,287,500 square feet (22%) of mill floor space was vacant in February 2005.

2.7 Economic and Social Impact

Stockport’s mill sites support a significant proportion of the Borough’s economy and supply an increasing proportion of its housing stock. To date mill conversion will provide 656 dwellings within mill buildings, including ‘affordable’ homes plus a further 11 dwellings in the building extension and grounds at Woodley Mill. Mill buildings provide a range of business environments from relatively cheap start up space on the upper floors of unconverted mills to high quality space for growing businesses in

prestige conversions. This is reflected in the rental levels, which vary from £1 per square foot to £15 per square foot and also in the length of leases which range from 1 month to 5 years plus. The mill survey indicates that there are upwards of 400 businesses based within mill buildings in Stockport. It is not possible to give an accurate total for jobs provided within mill buildings. However, an estimate of one job per 1,000 square feet is a low but realistic figure based on the variety of uses outlined in this report and suggests an important and considerable figure of around 4,000 jobs.

3. PLANNING POLICY

3.1 Local Planning Policy Any development will be required to accord with the relevant policies contained in the borough’s Development Plan. The current Development Plan is the Stockport Unitary Development Plan Review (UDP) adopted on 31 st May 2006. The Stockport Core Strategy is due to be adopted in March 2011. The Development Plan will then consist of the Core Strategy and saved UDP policies.

3.2 Green Belt There are 12 mill sites located within the Green Belt. This represents 20% of mill buildings and 1,232,982 square feet or 21% of all mill floor space. There is 230,835 square feet of vacant space within these buildings which represents 18% of the vacant space within mill buildings in Stockport. GBA1.6 within the UDP sets out the criteria for the change of use or conversion of buildings in the Green Belt.

Where a building is situated in the Green Belt, but no longer has an industrial use, other uses may be more appropriate to the Green Belt setting and more sustainable given the limited access arrangements that usually exist at such sites. GBA1.6 suggests that employment and tourism are more appropriate uses within the Green Belt.

Because of the large amount of floor space in most mill buildings there exists a tension between a need to develop larger scale tourist and leisure facilities close to town and district centres, as set out in Planning Policy Statement 4 (PPS4). PPS4 also states that industrial and commercial developments should be sited close to existing transport systems.

3.3 HC2 & 3 Listed Buildings & Protection of Archaeological Sites HC2 in the UDP responds to the former Planning Policy Guidance 12 (Planning and the Historic Environment) and HC3 to the former Planning Policy Guidance 16 (Planning and Archaeology). Both these documents have now been replaced by Planning Policy Statement 5 which covers the historic environment as a whole. The majority of buildings covered by the Mills Strategy are either statutorily or locally listed. All of the mill buildings included in this study are historic buildings and details of these buildings are held on a record formerly known as the Sites and Monuments Record (SMR) for Greater Manchester, now known as the Greater Manchester Historic Environment Record (HER). Inclusion as part of this record

means that the underlying archaeology is an important consideration in the development and planning process.

Potential developers will be required to provide a statement of the site’s historical, architectural and archaeological significance with any planning application. Both Stockport Council’s Conservation Officer and The Historic Environment Record Officer for Greater Manchester should be consulted as part of the planning process to determine whether development proposals are likely to affect the archaeology of a site listed on the HER. Prospective developers should take into account the need to obtain advice on the potential impact of their development proposals on the archaeology at an early stage as this is likely to save time and money at a later date. Pre-application discussions should help to clarify what will be required.

3.4 Planning Policy Statement 22: Renewable Energy The Government’s Planning Policy Statement 22: Renewable Energy points to the use of alternative means of energy production and resources such as wind and water power. Most renewable energy resources can only be developed where the resource exists and where economically feasible. As previously stated in this document many mill buildings either utilised water power or were located close to a ready supply of water. Some mill buildings represent previously developed sites that may be difficult to sustain in terms of new land uses and may therefore offer opportunities for developing some forms of renewable energy projects. As a requirement of Planning Policy Statement: Planning and Climate Change Supplement to Planning Policy Statement 1 and as part of the LDF policy planning process, Stockport Council has commissioned Stockport’s Climate Change and Energy Evidence Base Study which provides information on the different approaches and technologies that are available. A summary and the full report can be downloaded at: www.stockport.gov.uk/services/environment/planningpolicy/ldf/ldfevidence

3.5 Supplementary Planning Document on Sustainable Design and Construction Stockport Council is currently consulting on a redrafted Sustainable Design and Construction SPD which will be published in November 2010.

3.6 EP1.5 Development on or near contaminated sites At former industrial buildings it is likely that contamination may be present. The production of cotton textiles on an industrial scale involved the use of heavy machinery and the burning of coal as a source of power. At textile

finishing sites where the bleaching, dyeing and printing of cloth took place residual chemicals from these industries may be present. The hatting industry also employed the use of chemicals at the ‘wet end’ of hat works sites where the processing of fur into felt took place. It is likely that leather production/processing sites would also have employed chemicals. In addition to their original uses, many former mill buildings were reused in the 20 th century for alternative industrial processes which include the chemical, engineering and printing industries. EP1.5 in the UDP sets out planning policy in relation to the development of contaminated sites. Where contamination is present development will only be allowed where it can demonstrated that there is no remaining risk from contamination or that measures can be taken to make the site suitable for its proposed use. The consideration of an Environmental Statement prepared as part of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is usually the most convenient way of ensuring the environmental impacts of a significant development proposal are comprehensively considered.

3.7 Planning Policy Statement 25: Development and Flood Risk Mills with a riverside location are often within or close to the Flood Zone. EP.1.7 in the UDP deals with development and flood risk.

EP1.7, 5.8 states that:

Where existing buildings are redeveloped any vulnerability to flooding should be taken into account and dealt with by suitable measures, and the development should include measures to reduce any contribution the site makes to increasing flood risk.

4. REGENERATION PRIORITIES

4.1 Existing Regeneration Priorities

The following information is provided to set out the Council’s current regeneration priorities and to clarify the Council’s priorities in relation to mill buildings. The Council has limited resources which are strategically targeted to ensure the economic and environmental future of the borough. As set out in more detail below location in priority areas within the Town Centre/M60 Corridor Area and some form of recognised heritage value are major considerations in determining how resources will be employed to deliver the regeneration of mill buildings.

4.2 Town Centre/M60 Corridor

The Town Centre/M60 Gateway Strategy sets out the regeneration priorities for this area. There are 26 mill buildings within the M60 Corridor/Town Centre Regeneration Area. In previous years budgets there has been some limited funding for face lifts schemes within this regeneration area. Previous schemes have concentrated on the major gateways into Stockport e.g. motorway junctions and the A6. Previous face lift schemes have included the former LNWR Goods Warehouse on the A6, Kingston Mill on Chestergate and Meadow Mill in Portwood.

Within this area there are also some major regeneration schemes which include Hopes Carr, Gorsey Bank and St. Peter’s Square. Within these regeneration areas action is being taken to ensure where possible the historic fabric of these buildings is retained or where this is not possible that a record of these buildings is created.

4.3 Waterside Regeneration

The Council has a Rivers Development Plan which addresses the regeneration of the entire length of the River Mersey in Stockport and the stretches of the Rivers Goyt and Tame that fall within the Town Centre/M60 Gateway area. There are 12 sites that are located on or close to the riverside within the area covered by the Rivers Development Plan. In previous years a limited budget has been available which has allowed the Council to both draw in external funding and to open up access and improve the riverside environment. The delivery of a riverside park at Heaton Mersey has been the largest project delivered to date, however there have also been schemes alongside the river bank to improve the immediate environs of the river. There may be some limited funds in the

future to enable schemes that open up access to the river and improve the environment around mill buildings along the river.

4.4 Shaw Heath Renewal Area

The Shaw Heath Renewal Area was a regeneration programme which ran from June 2000 to June 2010. Regeneration priorities in the Shaw Heath Renewal Area were based on the regeneration of the housing stock and therefore there was no identifiable source of funding for mill buildings as part of the regeneration scheme. Although there was no direct impact on mill buildings there are likely to be some secondary effects arising from the regeneration of the area as a whole. There are 5 sites which fall within the Shaw Heath Renewal Area, T W Bracher Works, the site of the former Shaw Heath or Holland’s Mill, Hallam Mill, the former Carrington Hat Works and a small hat finishing works on Broadhurst Street.

4.5 Conservation Strategy

Mill buildings represent a period of significant industrial development in Stockport and on a wider regional, national and global level. There are 9 mill buildings in Stockport that have national recognition through the Statutory List. Of these buildings 7 are grade II listed mill buildings and 2 are grade II* and therefore in the top 8% of listed buildings in the UK. Council is currently undertaking a review of listed buildings and conservation areas and will shortly propose other buildings for addition to either the Local List, the Statutory List or for inclusion in conservation areas. As set out in the Council’s Conservation Strategy the borough’s heritage assets are also very important in presenting a positive image of the Borough, for the purposes of marketing, promotion and attracting inward investment. The regeneration of Wellington Mill in Stockport Town Centre is a good example of regeneration through heritage. The Council was able to draw in £1.3 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund to enable restoration and reuse of the building. Here a private/public partnership has provided residential units and a permanent home for the borough’s Hat Works museum.

4.6 Metrolink

There are plans to extend the Metrolink tram system to Stockport. This development would affect the site of the former Gorsey Bank/Cheshire Mill and the remaining buildings of Brinksway Mill which are situated on the south bank of the River Mersey at Brinksway.

4.7 Council Plan and Community Strategy

The strategic context for the Mills Development Plan is derived from the Stockport Council Plan and the Community Strategy : In October 2009 the aims of the Council Plan were aligned with those of the Community Strategy. In particular the Mills Development Plan should help to deliver ‘A Thriving Stockport’ via the delivery of economic development. The plan’s emphasis on building conservation and its recognition of the embodied energy in existing buildings and encouragement of the reuse of those buildings as a sustainable environmental resource addresses ‘A Greener Stockport’.

The following 2 sections set out more clearly how the Council intends to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the mill resource.

5. ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES

5.1 Conversion

The buildings included in this strategy are mainly cotton mills the form of which is fairly consistent within this group. Even within this group construction methods changed over time to suit the function and machinery they needed to accommodate.

Generally the earlier fireproof mill buildings are the easiest buildings to convert. These buildings are both structurally strong due to their iron framework but also narrow with regularly spaced windows. This form allows natural light to flow into the centre of the building. Because of the relative ease of conversion these buildings are likely to find new uses first. In Stockport such buildings include Woodley Mill previously converted to residential and Wellington Mill, converted for residential and museum use.

By the late 19 th century mill buildings had become wider in order to accommodate machinery. The larger double mills such as Houldsworth Mill in Reddish appeared.

At Houldsworth Mill a central engine house to the rear of the mill is flanked on either side by 2 blocks with a central link building to the front and middle of the building. This gives this double mill a symmetrical form and th creates an impressive vista at the front of the mill. The building to the rear of the north mill is a later 20 century addition.

To enable regeneration and conversion to residential the south block at Houldsworth had an atrium inserted into the roof.

Inside Northern Counties residential development at Houldsworth Mill. An atrium allows natural light into the communal area of the development.

Early 20 th century mill buildings such as Broadstone Mill represent the final stage in mill building development and have the broadest floor plans. Although they have much larger windows than the earlier buildings wide floor plans at such mills will usually make division of the internal space into smaller units difficult. Where space is divided units toward the centre of the mill will have no source of natural light. This means that unless an innovative approach such as that outlined at Houldsworth Mill is possible and appropriate it may be very difficult to use internal space. Here it may be necessary to consider use of space which does not require natural light e.g. storage. There are some uses to which space without natural light is specifically suitable e.g. dark rooms, museum storage.

5.2 Conversion of other building forms Where single story weaving sheds are still standing most have undergone conversion into separate industrial units.

Avondale Works are an example of weaving sheds that have undergone modern conversion to provide individual industrial units.

Stockport’s hat work buildings were in the main developed on a smaller scale. The notable exceptions of large scale designed works are the former Christies Hat Works and the former Woodrow’s Hat Works on Shaw Heath. Both these sites have now been demolished and redeveloped into residential units. Battersby’s Hat Works in Offerton which is now the only standing example of such a later designed hat works complex in Stockport.

Battersby’s Hat Works, Offerton. The water tower and 3 and 2 storey office buildings front Hempshaw Lane. There are a number of single storey sheds located behind this façade. The range of low level buildings lends itself best to housing small businesses and this site has undergone basic conversion for use as an industrial estate.

Threats to the Mill Resource

5.3 Conversion of mill stock to date

Based on information identified through a combination of on-site observation, discussion with owners and their managing agents and shared experience from other local authorities, Stockport’s mill buildings appear to fall broadly into the following classification:

Category 1: Full conversion Buildings have been fully remodelled to enable them to function effectively and appropriately in the 21 st century. In Stockport this applies at present only to Houldsworth, Wellington and Woodley mills and following conversion works will apply to New Mill in Reddish. A common theme in these four mills is substantial residential development. Commercial rental levels in these buildings are the highest.

Category 2: Partial conversion Buildings where the owners have made significant efforts to upgrade part or all of their buildings to bring them up to present day standards. Typical upgrades can include re-roofing, IT cabling, new passenger lifts and internal upgrades to modern office standards on some floors of the buildings, usually in response to a specific pre-let. The mills are usually well maintained. Examples in Stockport include Broadstone, Meadow and Pear New mills.

Category 3: Basic conversion Basic levels of subdivision for new occupiers are carried out and although little is added in the way of new services, buildings may have previously been extended to allow a new use following closure of the textile business. These mills offer most of the cheapest floor space in mill buildings and maintenance levels vary greatly.

Category 4: No conversion These buildings tend to remain in their existing use or in a single alternative use often until the business closes and they then remain vacant until they are redeveloped. Examples in Stockport include Strines Print Works and Cataract Bridge Mills.

5.4 The Future for Stockport’s Mills

Mills in Category 1 have already made the step up to a situation in which higher rental income and lower maintenance costs should ensure their future. Those in Category 2 are also likely to thrive but may need some form of support. The fate of sites within Category 3 may be decided by the attitude of the owner to the future of the mill, which will be reflected in how well these sites are managed. Despite low key adaptations some of these sites are well-maintained and flourishing providing industrial and storage space. Conversely some are poorly maintained and under- occupied. Category 4 mills are probably the most susceptible to change and without intervention are most likely to reach the point where redevelopment becomes inevitable.

In the recent past it has been possible to use public sector funding to bridge a funding gap as at Houldsworth Mill. It is becoming increasingly difficult to access public funding to secure regeneration and an increasing reliance on private sector funds means that full conversions are likely to be exceptional and will only happen where there is a clear business case that demonstrates economic viability.

In a number of cases environmental and traffic problems are caused by the location of industrial premises within mainly residential areas. On sites where the former industrial use is now redundant and buildings are unsuitable for conversion some form of mitigation should be considered in order to enable regeneration including demolition where there is no viable alternative. Without an overall strategy and action plan the physical condition of many of Stockport’s mills will slowly deteriorate. The issues affecting mill buildings as a resource can be summarised as:

• a lack of capital investment;

• poor physical condition and access arrangements at a significant proportion of the sites;

• planning policy constraints as set out in the UDP;

• the lack of structured management regimes at some sites;

• the impact of these buildings on their adjacent environment and neighbours.

5.5 The value of Stockport’s mill resource

Despite the problems and threats facing Stockport’s mill buildings it can be seen that they provide a valuable resource forming a distinctive part of our historic environment. Stockport’s 64 former textile works are a physical record of Britain’s historic cotton textile industry. In several cases they provide a quality of architecture rarely replicated in modern developments. The mill buildings give the landscape of Stockport a distinctive local character; the large scale hat works in particular are peculiar to this area.

In the past significant physical investment was made to build mills in Stockport. This previous investment and more recent adaptations allow mill buildings to continue to contribute to Stockport’s economy. Today mill buildings can provide opportunities for sustainable development on brownfield sites. Appropriate reuse of mill buildings can contribute to achieving the Council’s overall planning framework, and should help to reduce pressure on green belt and open land development.

5.6 Environmental Value/Sustainability

The fabric of Stockport’s mill buildings also represents an existing expenditure of resources. Expended energy and materials should be recognised and respected. In environmental terms it is likely to be more economic to reinvest in the existing resource. Building demolition contributes to land fill, sourcing new building materials usually involves the quarrying of new materials and energy is expended in processing these materials. Where conversion is feasible the investment in and reuse of existing buildings can support Stockport Council’s Environmental Action Programme’s priority areas by reducing consumption of resources and waste.

5.7 Economic Value

Mill buildings support a wide range of businesses and jobs by providing accommodation at affordable rents. They are capable of conversion to provide high quality prestige accommodation and provide residential and leisure locations. Successful conversions at Houldsworth and Wellington Mills provide a whole range of new uses including homes, managed workspace, a leisure club, swimming pool, gymnasium, a call centre, a nursery, office, manufacturing accommodation and an award winning museum. The potential exists to provide more of the same and New Mill in Reddish is currently undergoing conversion to provide 486 new homes. With a good management regime mills can provide less prestigious but no less important accommodation without the same degree of conversion and some of Stockport’s mill owners and agents are highly experienced in business management within historic mill buildings. Buildings such as Broadstone Mill in Reddish, Pear New Mill, Vernon Mill and Meadow Mill amongst others all make important contributions to the economy. Creative and high tech industries have been cited as indicators of recovery from the loss of traditional industries. These industries are encouraged by affordable floor space at Houldsworth Mill managed workspace. Affordable floor space has allowed pockets of small specialist industries including high tech, music,

craft and arts based businesses, such as the Vernon Mill Artists collective, to grow within other mill buildings.

5.8 Development Opportunities

Mills can provide space for housing developments with a regeneration benefit, particularly in and close to the town centre. There is potential for further mixed-use development as planned at Hopes Carr. It is, however, recognised that not all of the 64 sites warrant conversion works to the same extent as for example Houldsworth Mill. Such a practice is not financially sustainable as the demand for that quality of environment is limited and there is a significant demand for cheaper, lower quality space. Investment in mills as employment sites ensures an adequate supply of employment land. This supports Stockport’s economy by safeguarding existing jobs and assisting the growth of new businesses by providing flexible and affordable accommodation.

5.9 Towards a strategic approach

In considering the future of our mill sites it is necessary to strike a clear balance between the needs of the environment and the economy. Some mills are of such historic value that innovative regeneration proposals are needed in order to give the buildings new uses and so retain them for future generations. Other buildings have an important role to play in supporting the future of local businesses, jobs and housing. Existing planning policy, particularly the Unitary Development Plan and Local Development Framework will be a key factor for consideration. Some buildings, however, may be in very poor condition, or may cause such severe environmental problems within their local neighbourhood that some form of mitigation is required. Where it is not possible to retain a building or part of a site, steps will be taken to ensure best practice in recording the archaeological remains and dissemination of any resulting information to the public.

Given the funding issues and the problems discussed above greater effort needs to be made to show mill owners what is possible with their buildings and this will form the main thrust of the strategy proposals. Where economic viability can be demonstrated but the current owner is unwilling to take action, especially in the case of listed mills, the Council may be able to intervene using its CPO powers. Sensitive and sustainable reuse of historic buildings safeguards Stockport’s historic environment and its economy. A well thought out and implemented strategy will help to raise the profile of Stockport and put the town at the forefront of the current interest and best practice in mill and warehouse conversions. It will increase interest from developers and support work in regeneration areas, including the town centre and M60 corridor.

6. ACTION PLAN 2005 - 2010

6.1 Objectives

Stockport Council recognises the importance of the unique mill asset for the town and will work with owners, developers, businesses, development agencies and heritage organisations to secure appropriate sustainable uses for mill buildings and sites. The Council drew up 5 key objectives relating to challenges set out in Stockport’s Community Plan (the former Community Plan has recently been replaced with a plan that runs until 2020 though the objectives of this and the current Council Plan are broadly similar). The following objectives are referred to in the action plan below:

1. To ensure best use is made of the mill resource in terms of its contribution to the economic development and environmental wellbeing of Stockport

2. To ensure that Stockport’s listed mill buildings and those within conservation areas are properly maintained and protected and to encourage owners of other mills to do the same

3. To continue to develop expertise in mill conversions and share this with mill owners in Stockport

4. To establish robust monitoring systems in order to chart the progress of Stockport’s mills and to respond effectively to future changes, opportunities and threats

5. To raise awareness of appropriate regeneration and development opportunities by raising the profile of Stockport’s mills locally, regionally and nationally

6.2 Key Sites

In addition to the objectives outlined above the Council has identified a number of key sites where the regeneration of the mill buildings or site is a regeneration priority. Buildings have been prioritised in relation to their geographic location in terms of Council Regeneration priorities, the buildings architectural and heritage value, state of repair and level of occupation. As outlined in the following Action Plan planning briefs will be carried out on key sites on a priority basis. However, there are a number of large scale mill buildings where some or a combination of issues of building condition, heritage designation and regeneration priorities make the buildings key to the successful regeneration of the mill resource. The Council has previously carried out work in partnership with the building owners and will prioritise resources to achieve the sustainable regeneration of the key sites listed below.

Weir Mill Description Weir Mill is a grade II listed building located in a prominent position within Stockport Town Centre and on the bank of the River Mersey. Recently this site has undergone a series of emergency repairs. The site’s riverside location presents opportunities for outlook onto and access to the riverside. Although the site is at the centre of Stockport’s public transport links parking at this site remains problematic.

Actions A building condition/structural survey and a development appraisal have been carried out on this site. A draft planning brief has been drawn up and will be taken to the Executive Member for approval.

Houldsworth Mill Engine House Description Houldsworth Mill has already been the subject of a successful mixed use, partnership regeneration programme sponsored in part by European Funding. The mill is located in Reddish and is the centrepiece of the Houldsworth Conservation Area. The mill is 1 of Stockport’s 2 grade II* listed mill buildings.

Actions The Council will support the Reddish Building Preservation Trust in their application to the Heritage Lottery Fund. The Trust plan to restore the Engine House complex for mixed use as commercial units, community space and office space for a local charity. The Council is working in partnership with local agencies and businesses on a marketing exercise entitled ‘Houldsworth Village Vision’.

Meadow Mill Description The mill is located on the River Tame in Stockport town centre close to junction 27 of the M60. The building is a grade II listed building. The building occupies a prominent position at the motorway entrance into Stockport and in the future there may be opportunities to exploit the mills waterside setting. Council has previously obtained European Regional Development Funds and Face Lift funds to enable a programme of works including the refurbishment of 2 floors of the west wing, repairs to windows, installation of a lift and the installation of up-lighting.

Actions Council is drawing up a planning brief on the mill.

Vernon Mill, Portwood The mill is located close to junction 28** of the M60 on Mersey Street in Stockport town centre. It is a grade II listed building in a riverside location. The lower floors of the mill building are let for commercial purposes and the upper floors of the building house a community of artists. Council has previously obtained European Regional Development Funds for the refurbishment of the roof at Vernon Mill. Council has used its Face Lift budget to facilitate improvement works.

Actions Council has worked with Vernon Mill Artists to deliver public access to the mill and will continue to try to identify opportunities to develop the business potential of the Vernon Mill Artists. A draft planning brief will shortly be available for this site.

Broadstone Mill, Reddish Broadstone Mill is a grade II listed mill building in the Houldsworth Conservation Area in Reddish. Council has previously been able to access European Regional Development Funding for the creation of managed workspace at Broadstone. Broadstone House Ltd. has rebranded Broadstone as the ‘Knowledge Mill’ and has developed resources to incubate the knowledge and creative industries.

Actions Council will work in partnership with Broadstone House Ltd and other organisations on a marketing exercised entitled ‘Houldsworth Village Vision’. Council will develop a planning brief for the Broadstone Mill site.

6.3 Action Plan

The following Action Plan outlines in detail the tasks that Council will undertake over the next five years in order to secure the 5 key objectives.

Mills Strategy Action Plan

Objective/ SMBC Mills Strategy Objective/Task Measure Target Date Progress To Date Task No. Challenge (1-5) MS 1 2, 3, 4, 5 To ensure best use is made of the mill resource in terms of its contribution to the economic development and environmental wellbeing of Stockport MS1.1 The Council will prepare planning briefs for key 10 planning October 2015 • 5 briefs/schemes approved sites over the Strategy period and incorporate briefs • 5 draft briefs in progress. them into the Local Development Framework as produced on Supplementary Planning Guidance or Area Action a priority Plans basis MS1.2 The Council will work with owners, developers and As required Ongoing Council has obtained authority to businesses to secure the most appropriate use for make a CPO on Weir Mill. mill land and buildings and will in exceptional circumstances consider the use of its statutory planning and acquisistion powers to secure this. MS1.3 The Council will encourage and assist mill owners As required October 2015 • Council has supported Reddish to commission development appraisals for their Building Preservation Trust to buildings produce plans for the restoration/regeneration of the Engine House at Houldsworth Mill. • Development plans drawn up for Weir Mill MS1.4 The Council will research all sources of private and Ongoing October 2015 Ongoing public sector funding and identify potential projects MS1.5 The Council’s Mill Strategy Project Team will As required Implemented Revised Action Plan to be continue to meet as and when necessary in order distributed to Section Heads. to share information and to facilitate the objectives set out in the Mill Strategy.

Objective/ SMBC Mills Strategy Objective/ Task Measure Target Date Progress To Date Task No. Challenge (1-5) MS2 4 To ensure that Stockport’s listed mill buildings and those within conservation areas are properly maintained and protected and to encourage owners of other mills to do the same MS2.1 The Council will provide information on historic Provide December Completed – web link to SPAB’s ‘A building maintenance to all mill owners in access to 2010 Stitch In Time’ on the Institute of Stockport information Historic Building Conservation on building website is provided on the Mills maintenance Strategy web pages. via the Council website MS2.2 The Council will encourage owners of listed Identify October 2015 • Conservation Management Plan buildings to carry out a comprehensive condition funding for produced for the Houldsworth survey and develop and adopt a 10 year production of Engine House. management plan for their buildings 9 • Development plans produced management for Weir Mill. plans Unable to complete at present due to lack of funding. MS2.3 The Council will carry out a review of mill sites in Report taken October 2007 Completed - 18 mill buildings have order to reach a decision on which should be to Executive been added to the Local List. added to the list of locally important buildings. MS2.4 The Council will carry out a review of mill sites in Report taken October 2010 Completed - 5 mills incorporated order to reach a decision on which should be to Executive into conservation areas. incorporated into conservation areas MS2.5 The Council will support the Reddish Building Partnership 31 March Completed - Round 1 bid for Preservation Trust in their work to secure funding 2006 Heritage Lottery Funding was partnership funding to support a bid to the Heritage secured submitted in September 2008. Lottery Fund for the restoration of Houldsworth Mill Engine House

Objective/ SMBC Mill Strategy Objective/Task Measure Target Date Progress To Date Task No. Challenge (1-5) MS2.6 The Council will implement small face lift schemes 10 facelift October 2010 • Vernon Mill. on mill buildings within the M60 Corridor to schemes on • Meadow Mill. encourage private investment mill buildings • Reynolds Mill. • Scheme agreed at Wellington Mill. Unable to complete as the Face Lift Fund no longer exists. MS2.7 The Council will implement a temporary system to System set Implemented System implemented on ongoing alert the Sites and Monuments Officer to planning up basis, discussions being applications affecting standing textile mill buildings undertaken to resolve issues until the digitised Sites and Monuments Record relating to the use of the digitised becomes available to Planning Officers system. The new Policy Planning Statement 5 (HE6.1) places the onus on developers to carry out an initial historic environment check. This is as set out in Section 5 of the Practice Guide (paragraph 58, 1.) MS2.8 The Council will where necessary use its powers As required Ongoing • Threat of Urgent Works Notice under the Planning (Listed Buildings and and subsequent negotiation Conservation Areas) Act 1990 to serve urgent facilitated building repair work at works and repairs notices as appropriate. Weir Mill. • Appropriate replacement signage agreed at Vernon Mill. MS3 2, 3, 4, 5 To develop expertise in mill conversions and share this with mill owners in Stockport MS3.1 The Council will provide Stockport mill owners, Documents 31 March Completed – Mills Strategy their agents and other relevant stakeholders with a delivered and 2006 reviewed following consultation and copy of the Mills Strategy and collate feedback comments consultation report produced. collated

Objective/ SMBC Mill Strategy Objective/Task Measure Target Date Progress To Date Task No. Challenge (1-5) MS4 2, 4 To establish robust monitoring systems in order to chart the progress of Stockport’s mills and to respond effectively to future changes, opportunities and threats MS4.1 The Council will provide staff resources to co- As required Ongoing Ongoing ordinate the tasks set out in the Mill Strategy Development Plan MS4.2 The Council will carry out an interim review of the Interim October 2010 Completed – interim review carried Mills Strategy review out. completed MS4.3 The Council will carry out a final review at the end Final Review September of the Strategy’s cycle completed 2015 MS4.4 The Council will construct a database to hold ‘Stockport Ongoing Database constructed and ready for information on building owners/agents, condition, Mills data input. facilities and historic information Database’ operational MS4.5 The Council will set up a system to record Council Recording 31 March Ongoing spend on mill buildings over the next 5 years system 2006 established

Objective/ SMBC Mill Strategy Objective/Task Measure Target Date Progress To Date Task No. Challenge (1-5) MS5 2, 4 & 5 To raise awareness of appropriate regeneration and development opportunities by raising the profile of Stockport’s mills locally, regionally and nationally MS5.1 The Council will bring the National Mills National Mills 16 June 2006 Completed – National Mills Conference to Stockport Conference Conference was held in June 2006 hosted by Stockport MS5.2 The Council will develop corporate webpages Webpages 31 Completed – update is ongoing containing information about Stockport Mills and online and September the Mill Strategy and including links to other signposting 2006 related sites. planning briefs and potential development sites MS5.3 The Council will provide press releases to the 10 articles in March 2015 5 articles in local press and 1 article national and local press in order to stimulate local press in national trade press. positive media attention and 2 articles in national press

APPENDIX I LIST OF STANDING MILL BUILDINGS IN STOCKPORT

Building OS Ref. Location Ward Heritage Current Status Strategic Information Name Designation (where applicable) (Adcroft) Hat SJ 900 Adcroft Street, Manor None Industrial use PGA1.9 Works 894 Hillgate Aqueduct Mill SJ 9565 Marple Bridge Marple North None Office and industrial use Special Landscape Area, 8995 (site currently being Green Belt redeveloped following fire) Avondale SJ 878 Avondale Road, Edgeley & None Industrial use Works 894 Edgeley Cheadle Heath Battersby Hat SJ 911 Hempshaw Lane, Manor Local List Industrial use Works 894 Offerton Belmont Works SJ 894 Lancashire Hill, Brinnington & None Industrial and office use M60 Corridor, (Carroll’s Hat 910 Town Centre Central Employment Area Works) Botany Mill SJ 933 Woodley Bredbury & None Industrial use Green Belt 927 Woodley Brinksway SJ 879 Service Street, Edgeley & None Industrial use M60 Corridor, Gorsey Leather Works 899 Gorsey Bank Cheadle Heath Bank Master Plan Area Brinksway Mill SJ 884 Brinksway, Town Edgeley & None Industrial use M60 Corridor 899 Centre Cheadle Heath Britannia Mill SJ 891 Reuben Street, Reddish South None Industrial use Employment Area 917 Heaton Norris Broadhurst SJ 896 Broadhurst Davenport & None Industrial use Shaw Heath Renewal Street Hat 891 Street, Shaw Cale Green Area Works Heath

Building OS Ref. Location Ward Heritage Current Status Strategic Information Name Designation (where applicable) Broadstone Mill SJ 892 Broadstone Reddish South Grade II Listed Range of storage, retail Employment Area 930 Road, Reddish Building, and office use Houldsworth Conservation Area Canal Street SJ 900 Canal Street, Brinnington & None Office and leisure use M60 Corridor, PGA1.5 Hat/Box 899 Town Centre Central Factory Carrington’s SJ 896 Meyer Street, Davenport & None Industrial use Shaw Heath Renewal Hat Works 889 Shaw Heath Cale Green Area Chadkirk Mill SJ 938 Romiley Bredbury None Industrial use Special Landscape Area, 895 Green & Green Belt Romiley Cheadle SJ 855 Mill Lane, Cheadle & None Derelict and ruinous Green Belt (Bleach) Works 890 Cheadle Gatley Churchgate Mill SJ 899 Lavenders Brow, Brinnington & None Manufacturing use M60 Corridor, Hopes 902 Hopes Carr Central Carr Planning Brief Area, PGA1.5 Compstall SJ 965 Andrew Street, Marple North Compstall Industrial use Special Landscape Area, Bridge Works 908 Compstall Conservation Green Belt Area Compstall Mill SJ 965 Andrew Street, Marple North Compstall Range of industrial, Special Landscape Area, 908 Compstall Conservation storage and retail uses Green Belt Area

Building OS Ref. Location Ward Heritage Current Status Strategic Information Name Designation (where applicable) Demming's SJ 866 Demming’s Lane, Cheadle & None Industrial use PGA1.13 Dyeing & 881 Cheadle Gatley Bleaching Works East Bank Mill SJ 907 Offerton Street, Brinnington & None Industrial Use M60 Corridor, 910 Portwood Central Employment Area Goyt Mill SJ 957 Upper Hibbert Marple South Local List Range of industrial, office Employment Area 876 Lane, Marple and retail use Hallam Mill SJ 900 Hallam Street, Davenport & Local List, St. Range of industrial and Shaw Heath Renewal 887 Heaviley Cale Green George’s retail use Area Conservation Area Hampstead Mill SJ 910 Lake Street, Stepping Hill None Industrial use 883 Great Moor Heapriding Mill SJ 886 Edgeley Edgeley & None Industrial use M60 Corridor, 902 Cheadle Heath Employment Area Hempshaw SJ 908 Hempshaw Lane, Manor None Industrial use Lane Works 895 Offerton Hopes Carr Hat SJ 898 Hopes Carr Brinnington & None Industrial use M60 Corridor, Hopes Works 902 Central Carr Planning Brief Area, PGA1.5 Houldsworth SJ 891 Houldsworth Reddish North Grade II* Listed Mixed Use Development Reddish Renewal Area Mill 933 Street, Reddish Building, (residential, commercial Houldsworth and leisure uses) Conservation Area Kershaw’s SJ 898 Water Street, Brinnington & Local List Industrial Use M60 Corridor, PGA 1.17 Tannery 912 Portwood Central Kingston Mill SJ 889 Chestergate, Edgeley & None Storage use M60 Corridor, 902 Town Centre Cheadle Heath Employment Area

Building OS Ref. Location Ward Heritage Current Status Strategic Information Name Designation (where applicable) Lancashire Hill SJ 892 Stanbank Street, Reddish South None Industrial use Employment Area Ropery 917 Heaton Norris Lincoln Bennett SJ 8899 Chestergate, Edgeley & None Industrial use M60 Corridor, Hat Works 9025 Town Centre Cheadle Heath Employment Area Lockside Mill SJ 962 St. Martin’s Road, Marple North Grade II Listed Office use 890 Marple Building, Peak Forest Conservation Area Lower Carrs SJ 898 Hopes Carr Brinnington & None Retail and storage use M60 Corridor, Hopes Mill 902 Central Carr Planning Brief Area, PGA1.5 Marriot Street SJ 897 Marriott Street, Brinnington & Hillgate Storage and industrial use M60 Corridor, PGA1.4, Mill 897 Hillgate Central Conservation Hillgate THI Area Area Meadow Mill SJ 899 Water Street, Brinnington & Grade II Listed Commercial and industrial M60 Corridor, PGA 1.17 912 Portwood Central Building use New Mill SJ 891 Houldsworth Reddish North Houldsworth Conversion to residential Reddish Renewal Area (Victoria and 937 Street, Reddish Conservation use underway Elisabeth) Area Oak Street SJ 919 Oak Street, Hazel Hazel Grove None Industrial and retail use Shed 871 Grove Oakwood Mill SJ 945 Oakwood Street, Bredbury None Industrial use 905 Romiley Green & Romiley Pear New Mill SJ 912 Bredbury Bredbury & Grade II* Listed Range of office, retail, Green Belt 908 Woodley Building manufacturing and leisure uses

Building OS Ref. Location Ward Heritage Current Status Strategic Information Name Designation (where applicable) Portwood Hat SJ 906 Romiley Street, Brinnington & None Derelict M60 Corridor, OBJ 2 Works 910 Portwood Central Area, Employment Area Primrose Mill SJ 978 Mill Brow, Mellor Marple North Mill Brow Industrial use Special Landscape Area, 893 Conservation Green Belt Area Reynolds Mill SJ 904 Newbridge Lane, Brinnington & None Industrial use (part derelict) M60 Corridor, OBJ 2 907 Portwood Central Area, Employment Area Shaw Heath SJ 895 Shaw Heath Brinnington & None Range of storage, M60 Corridor, Shaw Mill 894 Central manufacturing and leisure Heath Renewal Area, uses PGA1.3 Sovereign SJ 887 Chestergate, Edgeley & None Industrial use M60 Corridor, Works 901 Town Centre Cheadle Heath Employment Area Springmount SJ 882 Edgeley Edgeley & None Industrial and retail use M60 Corridor Mill 898 Cheadle Heath Spur Mill SJ 894 Greg Street, Reddish South None Industrial use OBJ 2 Area, Employment 925 Reddish Area Swallow Mill SJ 8930 Swallow Street, Brinnington & None Range of industrial, M60 Corridor, PGA1.5 8946 Hillgate Central manufacturing and office uses T W Bracher SJ 895 Shaw Heath Brinnington & None Industrial use M60 Corridor, Shaw Leather Works 894 Central Heath Renewal Area, PGA1.4 Thorn Works SJ 934 Bankside Road, Bredbury & None Industrial use Green Belt 925 Woodley Woodley Throstle Bank SJ 905 Turncroft Lane, Manor None Range of wholesale retail, Mill 904 Offerton leisure and office uses Top Mill SJ 939 Bankside Road, Bredbury & None Derelict and ruinous Green Chain 930 Woodley Woodley Unity Mill SJ 939 Poleacre Lane, Bredbury & None Building empty (not on Green Belt 930 Woodley Woodley market)

Building OS Ref. Location Ward Heritage Current Status Strategic Information Name Designation (where applicable) Valley Mill SJ 927 Cooper Street, Hazel Grove None Site vacant (pending 874 Hazel Grove redevelopment) Vernon Mill SJ 904 Mersey Street, Brinnington & Grade II Listed Retail and leisure use M60 Corridor, 907 Portwood Central Building Employment Area Victoria Dye SJ 899 Hempshaw Lane, Manor None Range of office, retail and M60 Corridor, PGA1.5 Works 894 Hillgate industrial uses Victoria Mill SJ 894 Broadstone Hall Reddish South None Industrial use Employment Area 926 Road South, Reddish Virginia Mill SJ 889 Higher Hillgate Manor St. George’s Industrial and office use PGA1.9 892 Conservation Area Waterloo Mill SJ 900 Wellington Street, Brinnington & None Storage use M60 Corridor, PGA1.5 899 Town Centre Central WeIr Mill SJ 890 Chestergate, Edgeley & Grade II Listed Undergoing urgent repairs M60 Corridor, 902 Town Centre Cheadle Heath Building Employment Area Welkin Mill SJ 912 Welkin Road, Bredbury & None Industrial use Green Belt 914 Bredbury Woodley Wellington Mill SJ 893 Wellington Road Brinnington & Grade II Listed Mixed Use Development M60 Corridor, PGA1.2 902 South, Town Central Building, St. (residential and museum) Centre Peter’s Conservation Area Woodley Mill SJ 937 Hyde Road, Bredbury & Grade II Listed Residential units 924 Woodley Woodley Building