Member Article

First phase of Stockport Exchange regeneration project officially ‘Tops Out’

Muse Developments and Stockport Council have celebrated reaching the highest point in the construction of the new multi-storey car park (MSCP) with a traditional topping-out ceremony.

The MSCP is part of the first phase of the £140 million Stockport Exchange scheme – and will provide 1,000 spaces immediately adjacent to the mainline station. It forms an integral part of the development providing much enhanced parking facilities for rail commuters and supporting the new commercial business district which is to be developed as part of the scheme.

During the ceremony, Muse Developments joint managing director Matt Crompton was joined by: Councillor Iain Roberts, executive member for economic development and regeneration at Stockport Council, Barry Roberts area director at contractors Morgan Sindall, and representatives from Network Rail, NCP and RHWL to install the final nut and bolt on the structure.

The new facility will be complete and open for trading in February 2014.

Matt Crompton said: “The topping out ceremony represents a significant milestone towards the transformation of this important regeneration scheme.

“With the recent announcement that the Council will fund the second phase, this project is really gaining momentum.”

Councillor Iain Roberts, Executive Member for Economic Development and Regeneration at Stockport Council, said: “It’s great to see that years of planning and hard work are coming to fruition. The multi-storey is a key part of the overall development, providing much-needed car parking for this soon-to-be bustling commercial and commuter hub.”

Barry Roberts, area director at Morgan Sindall, said: “We are delighted to have reached this key stage of the development and to be topping out the car park. We’re expecting to continue to make good progress as we near the latter part of the project. The car park is an important part of the wider redevelopment of the area and we’re pleased to be a part of this exciting transformation.”

The age-old practice of “topping out” is designed to protect the building and shield it from harm.

The project team for this first phase includes: Contractor Morgan Sindall Construction, RHWL Architects project manager quantity surveyor and CDM Co-ordinator Gleeds, services engineer Hannan Associates, structural engineer Hill Cannon Consulting LLP.

The MSCP benefitted from £5m of funding from the Station Commercial Project Facility, following Stockport Council’s successful bid.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simon Malia .