The Grade II-listed former Stockport Arts College, located next to the War Memorial Art Gallery on Greek Street, will be transformed into Cheers & Smith, a flexible workspace and social hub for local businesses.
Regeneration specialist Cityheart has now been granted planning permission for the development. It will form part of Stopford Park - a new neighbourhood set to bring 442 new homes and a landscaped ‘Art Park’.
The refurbishment works are due to commence this autumn and be completed ready for businesses to move in in 12 months’ time. Across the neighbourhood, an ever-changing canvas of uniquely commissioned works by local artists will bring energy and imagination to the new Art Park.
Cllr Mark Roberts, Leader of Stockport Council
Our UK-leading town centre regeneration is about more than building new homes, it’s about breathing new life into Stockport’s heritage and giving our historic buildings a future.
Cheers & Smith is a brilliant example of that. This much-loved landmark will once again buzz with creativity and collaboration, bringing people together and creating opportunities for local entrepreneurs, freelancers and businesses.
It’s fantastic to see another of our heritage assets being reimagined for the 21st century as part of a town centre that offers a true mix of homes, jobs and leisure, along with better healthcare and transport links to benefit everyone across our borough.
Greg Ball, Development Director at Cityheart, said: “We’re making great progress at Stopford Park and this milestone is another exciting step on that journey. Cheers & Smith will bring real energy back into this much-loved building. It’s a space that has always been about creativity and collaboration, and now it has the chance to be exactly that again.”
Jon Humphreys, Creative Director and co-owner of Sheila Bird Studio, said: “This milestone isn’t just about restoring a building; it’s about reigniting its spirit... the vision is to let its history guide its rebirth, to create a space that feels alive with ideas, collaboration, and the kind of raw creative energy that built Stockport in the first place.”
