Construction workers at huge new development make incredible historic find
Those working on the trendy new development made a fascinating find as they work to transform the historic site from a rind down mill to more than 200 apartments
Those working on a trendy £60million development made an amazing discovery after uncovering remains of 17th-century steps. It comes as the multi-million pound redevelopment of one of Stockport's oldest buildings in Greater Manchester is expected to be completed early next year.
Those behind the transformation of Weir Mill into a trendy new neighbourhood revealed they have unearthed steps leading to the River Mersey that are believed to be more than 300 years old. Weir Mill, on the banks of the famous river in the town centre, is currently the subject of a huge renovation project.
The mill buildings are in the process of being restored and transformed into new homes with two new-build blocks, including a 14-storey tower, having also been erected on the site.
Once the development is complete, it will see the creation of 253 apartments, 87 in the historic mill buildings and 166 in the new builds, the Manchester Evening News reports.
It will also boast new independent bars, eateries, coffee shops and stores as well as two new public squares and green space in what bosses say will become a 'vibrant new destination for Stockport and visitors alike.'
It is a key part of the ongoing £1billion redevelopment of the town centre and surrounding areas.
The original mill, sometimes referred to as Wear Mill, dates back to 1790 when it was built by cotton manufacturer John Collier and was deemed to be a 'local icon of the industrial revolution.'
It was water-powered, standing just 500 metres from the source of the Mersey, at the confluence of the River Tame and River Goyt.
Very little is documented about the original 1790 building, which was destroyed in a devastating fire in 1831, started by a spark from the boiler house alighting some nearby hessian.
Weir Mill was rebuilt, water power having ceased in favour of steam by 1834.
However, the new mill incorporated parts of the 1790s foundations. The mill pre-dates the Stockport Viaduct, which was built over the mill's engine house in 1840.
After decades without any TLC, the mill was, according to bosses at Capital and Centric (C&C), who took it on and came up with the redevelopment plans, 'at risk of being lost forever.'
And one previously uncovered feature has been saved they have revealed.
Steps have been uncovered which pre-date 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 say.
They are now to be 'carefully restored' and 'put on show to future residents.'
They will be visible from a new cantilever walkway that will lead to the river terrace overlooking the Mersey.
Capital & Centric, founded by Adam Higgins and Tim Heatley, the star of BBC documentary Manctopia, say the scheme will 'set a higher standard for rentals.'
It will boast its own on-site team of staff offering services such as cleaning and pet-sitting, as well as an app to connect residents with neighbours.
Once finished it will feature a 'lush green outdoor space' for residents and the local community, with new planting and trees as well as new bars, restaurants and shops.
Capital & Centric said in their latest update this week that it the project is 'nearing completion.' They told the Manchester Evening News they are anticipating it will be finished in early 2026.
They said they are currently looking for 'the best indie operators' to fill the commercial aspects of the project, with the first tenants to be announced 'soon.'
Tom Wilmot, Joint Managing Director, 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.'
Councillor Mark Roberts, the 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.'
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Daily Mirror
8 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Construction workers at huge new development make incredible historic find
Those working on the trendy new development made a fascinating find as they work to transform the historic site from a rind down mill to more than 200 apartments Those working on a trendy £60million development made an amazing discovery after uncovering remains of 17th-century steps. It comes as the multi-million pound redevelopment of one of Stockport's oldest buildings in Greater Manchester is expected to be completed early next year. Those behind the transformation of Weir Mill into a trendy new neighbourhood revealed they have unearthed steps leading to the River Mersey that are believed to be more than 300 years old. Weir Mill, on the banks of the famous river in the town centre, is currently the subject of a huge renovation project. The mill buildings are in the process of being restored and transformed into new homes with two new-build blocks, including a 14-storey tower, having also been erected on the site. Once the development is complete, it will see the creation of 253 apartments, 87 in the historic mill buildings and 166 in the new builds, the Manchester Evening News reports. It will also boast new independent bars, eateries, coffee shops and stores as well as two new public squares and green space in what bosses say will become a 'vibrant new destination for Stockport and visitors alike.' It is a key part of the ongoing £1billion redevelopment of the town centre and surrounding areas. The original mill, sometimes referred to as Wear Mill, dates back to 1790 when it was built by cotton manufacturer John Collier and was deemed to be a 'local icon of the industrial revolution.' It was water-powered, standing just 500 metres from the source of the Mersey, at the confluence of the River Tame and River Goyt. Very little is documented about the original 1790 building, which was destroyed in a devastating fire in 1831, started by a spark from the boiler house alighting some nearby hessian. Weir Mill was rebuilt, water power having ceased in favour of steam by 1834. However, the new mill incorporated parts of the 1790s foundations. The mill pre-dates the Stockport Viaduct, which was built over the mill's engine house in 1840. After decades without any TLC, the mill was, according to bosses at Capital and Centric (C&C), who took it on and came up with the redevelopment plans, 'at risk of being lost forever.' And one previously uncovered feature has been saved they have revealed. Steps have been uncovered which pre-date 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 say. They are now to be 'carefully restored' and 'put on show to future residents.' They will be visible from a new cantilever walkway that will lead to the river terrace overlooking the Mersey. Capital & Centric, founded by Adam Higgins and Tim Heatley, the star of BBC documentary Manctopia, say the scheme will 'set a higher standard for rentals.' It will boast its own on-site team of staff offering services such as cleaning and pet-sitting, as well as an app to connect residents with neighbours. Once finished it will feature a 'lush green outdoor space' for residents and the local community, with new planting and trees as well as new bars, restaurants and shops. Capital & Centric said in their latest update this week that it the project is 'nearing completion.' They told the Manchester Evening News they are anticipating it will be finished in early 2026. They said they are currently looking for 'the best indie operators' to fill the commercial aspects of the project, with the first tenants to be announced 'soon.' Tom Wilmot, Joint Managing Director, 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.' Councillor Mark Roberts, the 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.'
Metro
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What I Own: We pay £450 per month for our £409,950 mortgage-free Watford flat
Welcome back to What I Own – Metro's property series where we speak to homeowners about getting on the ladder. Roy and Gil Hamilton, both 84, were living in a three-bed flat when, looking to downsize, they began exploring the possibility of living in a retirement village. They eventually settled on a two-bedroom apartment in Watford, down the road from their previous home. They paid £409,950, leaving them mortgage-free. Since the couple completed in 2022, they've found a community, with Gil taking up Pilates and cheerleading, while Roy enjoys watercolour painting. They initially paid a £500 reservation fee, and now their monthly costs total just £450, including all bills and service charges. Here's what Roy had to say about their property journey… You can access completely fee-free mortgage advice with London & Country (L&C) Mortgages, a partner of Metro. Customers benefit from: – Award winning service from the UK's leading mortgage broker – Expert advisors on hand 7 days a week – Access to 1000s of mortgage deals from across the market Unlike many mortgage brokers, L&C won't charge you a fee for their advice. Find out how much you could borrow online Mortgage service provided by London & Country Mortgages (L&C), which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (registered number: 143002). The FCA does not regulate most Buy to Let mortgages. Your home or property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. My wife, Gil and I, are both 84 years old and in September, we'll have been married for 60 years. Gil is French and was working as a translator when we met. I was an engineer before moving into selling high-value computers. We both have separate hobbies, and enjoy socialising too. Our reservation fee was £500, and we bought our property at Mayfield Watford Retirement Village outright two and a half years ago, so we don't have a mortgage. The service charge, including management fee and services, heating, electricity and water, is roughly £450 a month. Our first ever property cost £295,000 when we bought it after we got married, in 1964. It was a three-bedroom semi-detached house in Up Holland, which is a village in Skelmersdale, West Lancashire. I can't quite remember how much the deposit was all those years ago, but we saved up £50 a month until we were able to buy. We've lived in six properties in different parts of the country since then, most recently the two-bedroom apartment in Watford. The proceeds from the sale of the flat were enough to buy our new home outright. We love the area as our previous property was nearby, so we've known it for years. We've got lots of family here, which is one of our favourite things about it. There's a thriving community at Mayfield. There are shops, a riverside park, as well as leisure facilities, such as a pool, sauna, gym, beauty treatment rooms and a café. We completed on September 30 2022, and the apartment cost £409,950. We lived in a flat in Watford with three double bedrooms and two bathrooms. Once we saw what Mayfield had to offer, we were particularly sold on the social aspect. There are many clubs and opportunities to socialise with people. My wife is part of the Mayfield Belles, the village's cheerleaders, who perform at our big events. We received a leaflet in the post and decided to visit. At the time we had no idea what a retirement village offered, but we haven't looked back since. We didn't bring any furniture with us, because it was all too big for our new, smaller, space at Mayfield. All of our furniture was bought to fit the available space, so we don't feel cramped. We both had the opportunity to pick what kind of wallpaper and paint we wanted, which was mainly chosen to go well with our new furniture. We're in the process of redecorating. Our kitchen units are grey, so we've repainted the walls in a deep reddish maroon to contrast. We've also added wallpaper in the lounge at the moment, which is patterned grey and silver. The lounge. It feels like the heart of the home to us. It's just right. Yes. We'd actually already downsized to our previous three-bed flat, as the home we lived in before that was becoming too hard to maintain. Our Mayfield apartment being smaller means it's easy to keep clean. More Trending Downsizing is one of the best decisions we've ever made. It's about reassessing where you are in life, and doing what's best for you, which means changing your attitude – and your furniture! There have been no problems with the property and Gil and I are very happy with our decision to move here. Moving to Mayfield is the best thing we ever did. It was a change of lifestyle, and for a better one. View More » But although buying a home is exciting, it can be a very stressful time. So, my biggest piece of advice is to make sure to support each other throughout the process. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: Inside the new town being built in London with 56,000 new jobs MORE: Three sneaky tricks house sellers use to disguise issues — and what to look out for MORE: This is how long it takes to sell a home in each UK city
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Phil Spencer urges house hunters to do the '10p test' before buying
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