Two iconic buildings in Bury and Stockport are set for major transformations as part of the latest planning developments across Greater Manchester. The former Bury Grammar School building, which has served as a police station, courthouse, and school over nearly a century, could be converted into apartments. Meanwhile, St Christopher's House, a 10-storey office block in Stockport town centre, may be demolished to make way for 277 homes.
Bury Grammar School Conversion
Plans have been submitted to Bury council to convert part of the old school estate into new homes. The three buildings in Tenterden Street currently stand empty after being vacated by the school when it 'rationalised and expanded' its estate. The premises date back to around 1927 when they served as a police station and courthouse. The site was bought by Bury Grammar School in 1993 and was initially used as a junior boys' school before becoming a sixth form centre.
Developer Property Investment Complete Ltd has put forward proposals to convert the Main School Building, Arts Building, and Sixth Form Building into new homes, with 21 apartments suggested for the site.
Stockport Office Block Demolition
Cheshire Homes Group has submitted plans to Stockport council for a major regeneration scheme on the site of St Christopher's House. The plans are for 277 flats to be built at the junction of Wellington Road South and Longshut Lane. St Christopher's House, a towering white office block, most recently housed insurance firm Vitality, which has since moved to the Stockport Exchange area near the town's railway station.
The plans would see the 1970s 10-storey building demolished and replaced with 'a high-quality residential development inspired by traditional mansion block architecture'. The flats would be a mix of one, two, and three bed apartments available to rent.
Other Developments Across Greater Manchester
Royal Bolton Hospital has announced patients and visitors will get new outlets including an M&S Food store as work on a major transformation of the main entrance starts. The redevelopment is expected to be completed and open to visitors in autumn 2027. Bolton NHS Foundation Trust said the changes will 'deliver a significantly improved arrival experience, with brighter, more accessible spaces, improved amenities and a wider range of food and drink options'. New retailers confirmed include Costa Coffee, M&S Food, WHSmith, Greggs, and StockShop.
In Salford, Kellen Homes and ForHousing plan to transform the former RMS Swinton site off Pendlebury Road into an 'affordable neighbourhood' of 218 houses and flats. The planning application features four apartment blocks and 43 terraced homes alongside green spaces and parking bays. Of the 218 homes proposed, 211 would be provided for social rent, with the remaining seven offered through shared ownership.
Tameside council has agreed to sell the former Droylsden Library and Lock Keepers Site to True North Partnerships so a new 'waterfront neighbourhood' can be built. Finance boss Coun Hugh Roderick explained that developers found 'abnormal' ground conditions, leading to a re-negotiation of the price. Two extra plots of land next to Manchester Road and the marina have been added to the deal. The 192-home scheme includes three apartment buildings and duplex homes 'arranged to maximise natural light and views across the Marina, Ashton Canal and towards the Pennines and Manchester city centre'.
Trafford council's planning committee is set to meet next week to debate and decide on the Carrington Relief Road, a project aiming to divert traffic away from the A6144. Residents have objected in their hundreds, fearing it will cause 'severe and permanent harm' to green belt land.
