Marple Community Hub

February 2025 update

Works for Marple Community Hub are now well underway and we're excited to share with you updated CGIs (computer generated images). You can find these below.

Since starting on site, Willmott Dixon (the contractor), has started the following works:

• layby and accessible parking open to the public
• contractor welfare cabins for operatives installed
• temporary public toilet installed
• service diversion cables and pipework installed
• installation of site perimeter hoarding
• ongoing works to remove asbestos in the library

You can find some images of the progress below.

Works to Hollins House are now completed and Greater Manchester Police (GMP) will be relocating to their permanent facility within Hollins House at the end of February 2025.

Look ahead

The following works are to start in the next month:

• demolition of the library to start in late February, following asbestos removal
• woodland planting and tree planting to start on the southern edge of the Memorial Park
• tree removal around the library
• diverted service cables and pipework connections

We're also pleased to share with you some of the incredible work that Willmott Dixon’s Social Value team have carried out since the start of the project. This includes:

• delivering of a 2-week construction and employability skills course for 10 learners at HMPS Styal Prison.
• collaborating with a local Stockport Charity, Cracking Good Food, Willmott Dixon delivered and funded a cookery class for 16 care experienced young people. The session gave them a chance to cook their own food, eat what they had made and talk about making wiser food choices
• visiting Marple care home, Arbour Court, to deliver an intergenerational Christmas carol concert
• supporting local organisation PIE.org as they help pack Christmas hampers for the families that need extra support this Christmas

We're excited to confirm that Willmott Dixon will be providing a woodland path in Marple Memorial Park as part of their social value commitment. We'll share more information on the route in the next month.

Marple pop-up Library

The library at Marple Scouts Hut opened on 29 October 2024.

At the Marple pop-up library, you can:

• use free computers and wifi to get online
• ask library staff to help you make an appointment with Citizens Advice
• get help to scan a QR code and start a WhatsApp chat with Citizens Advice
• get help to access council services
• pick up reservations and return books 24/7 using the newly installed outdoor lockers

You'll also find posters and leaflets with information about getting in touch with services who can help you.

Opening hours:

• Tuesday: midday to 6pm
• Thursday: 10am to 4pm

We've seen a great response to the book lockers (pictured below), with residents picking up reservations and returning books. Storytime is ongoing with a small group of residents attending, and we're promoting this with the shops and childminders.