A landmark regeneration project delivering new homes while preserving the industrial heritage of Compstall Mills.
At a Glance
- Location: Romiley, Stockport
- Client: Developer Consortium (including Buju Architects)
- Sector: Residential Development / Heritage Conservation
- Scope: 100+ New Homes (New-Build & Conversion)
- Status: Concept Design / Pre-Planning
The Challenge: Unlocking a Complex Industrial Site
Located on a challenging ‘L’ shaped plot between the River Etherow, a country park reservoir, and a busy main road, Compstall Mills represents a significant opportunity for regeneration in Stockport.
The site is steeped in history but fraught with technical constraints. The brief required navigating a significant 6m level difference, managing flood risk, and addressing the structural integrity of existing industrial buildings. Crucially, previous planning approvals for this site had stalled due to a lack of commercial viability.
Our objective was clear: to design a cost-effective, high-value housing development that is respectful of the local heritage, improves biodiversity, and finally delivers on the site’s potential.
The Solution: A Connected Masterplan
As both the lead Architects in Stockport for this scheme and a member of the development consortium, we approached the site with a focus on placemaking and feasibility.
Our concept creates a cohesive community by blending mill conversion apartments with new-build homes, centered around a new public heart.
1. Scotland Homes (Roadside Frontage) To improve the streetscape along Andrew Street, we designed 12 new-build semi-detached houses. The architecture creates a bridge between the past and future, featuring a saw-tooth roof design that mirrors the original mill profiles while optimizing south-facing orientation for solar PVs.
2. Noah House Navigating the site’s challenging topography, this building sits against a 6m retaining wall. It features new apartments.
3. Victoria Mill & Albert House Victoria Mill is the historic centrepiece of the site. We are retaining this asset, converting it into apartments. Adjacent to this, the new-build “Albert House” provides additional apartments and facilities.
4. The Heritage Garden Between the residential zones lies the Heritage Garden. Centered around the site’s original water wheel, this public realm improves connections across the site and celebrates the area’s industrial history.
5. Riverside Living Parallel to the River Etherow, we have proposed new-build homes. These new properties are designed with a sophisticated, simple aesthetic that respects the scale and architectural structure of Victoria Mill, offering families south-facing living spaces and off-road parking.
The Result
By balancing retention with strategic demolition, we have created a viable scheme that delivers new homes and improved public access.
The project has received unanimous support and excitement from the shareholder consortium. The site has successfully been allocated in the Council’s local plan, with positive initial feedback from the council and consultants regarding our approach to conservation and design quality.
We are currently engaged in pre-app conversations and the design is subject to change.
No enquiries yet please for the purchase of individual properties.
