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Stockport is about to become the next build-to-rent hot spot — or so the town's council hope.
But the 3,000-unit plan may first have to overcome alleged hauntings at one of the key BTR sites.
A Town Centre Living Framework is due to be published in June, but was previewed Monday. It promises 40 acres of development in six residential sites to the west of the town centre, forming a corridor along the river Mersey and close to the railway station. As many as 3,000 new units could be developed.
The privately owned Weir Mill — today a paranormal tourist attraction popular for its hauntings — is one of the six sites, and could provide 300 new units.
The site last hit the headlines a year ago when a TV shot ghost hunter investigating "demonic activity on the upper levels" required medical attention.
The council is working with consultants and the landowner at Weir Mill to bring forward proposals within two years. A grant of £5.6M has already been approved from the Housing Infrastructure Fund.
The report to councillors concluded by requesting approval of "the use of Compulsory Purchase powers, if required, for the delivery of key schemes within the Town Centre West Residential area including Weir Mill to secure the HIF funding."
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Stockport Interchange could deliver another 200 units, in partnership with Transport for Greater Manchester and the council as freeholder. The scheme has received in principle support from the £2.6M Housing Infrastructure Fund.
The Stagecoach Depot & Offices could provide new build opportunities for up to 700 units if Stagecoach can relocate.
A further 100 units are pencilled in for a Chestergate/King Street site in private hands, whilst sites around the rail station could add another 790 units in the longer term. Transport for Greater Manchester are revising their master plan.
The potential for creating a mayoral development corporation — using powers granted to Metro Mayor Andy Burnham and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority — is being investigated.
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