Residents of the former luxury Meadow Mill apartments in Stockport say the building is 'in crisis' and deteriorating, with fears for their safety. The historic Victorian-era mill, converted into 213 luxury apartments in 2021 by AWAL Investment, has faced issues since a devastating flood on New Year's Day 2025.
Residents' claims and legal action
An open letter from the Meadow Mill Residents Association (MMRA) describes 'a landmark building in crisis' that is 'flooding, uninsured, incomplete, and deteriorating'. The letter details outstanding snagging issues including leaking windows, defective plumbing, non-compliant electrics, leaking roofs, unsafe stairwells, and defective security doors. Concerns are also raised about fire doors that 'have been found to have failed at installation'.
The MMRA claims the problems are due to over £200,000 in service charge arrears as of June 30. The association criticized non-paying residents, stating: 'It is the smell in the corridor when you come home. It is the state of the entrance that greets you and your children every day. It is the embarrassment of bringing a friend or family member to visit. It is lying awake wondering whether this building — your home, the place that is supposed to be your sanctuary — is actually safe.'
Flood aftermath and insurance issues
More than 400 people were evacuated after the flood, which cut off water and power. Post-flood works are described as 'a patch-up job', and the building is without flood insurance, making most flats 'effectively un-mortgageable'. No flood defences have been installed.
The MMRA is looking to take legal action in 2026 over 'serious, evidenced claims'. The developer AWAL has been criticized for not responding to residents' attempts to contact them, and Stockport Council's response has been called 'deeply troubling'.
Support and management response
Stockport MP Navendu Mishra is supporting the residents, saying: 'It is unacceptable that, more than eighteen months on, residents at Meadow Mill are still facing uncertainty over flood insurance, remediation works, building safety and the future of their homes.'
Stockport Council stated they will respond to the MP directly. Coun Jake Austin, Cabinet Member for Housing and Environment, said: 'We recognise that residents at Meadow Mill continue to have concerns following the unprecedented flooding experienced on New Years Day last year and we remain committed to ensuring all parties resolve the concerns that have been highlighted.'
CERT, the building manager, said over £134,000 is needed for repairs but cannot be carried out 'due to insufficient service charge funds'. They have issued 29 updates since October 2025 and are taking legal action against non-paying leaseholders. AWAL has compiled a schedule of works they intend to manage.
