The British Council for Offices recently hosted a Talk & Tour at Merseyway Innovation Centre,
the latest high-specification office space in the heart of Stockport.
On Wednesday 24 January, up to
40 BCO North members were given an in-depth look at the prime commercial space,
situated in the middle of the town’s retail district.
Mersey Innovation Centre has
been transformed from a vacant 1960s retail space into a vibrant and
sustainable co-working space.
The centre now offers flexible serviced office and coworking accommodation for new start-up and existing small businesses.
The revamped space includes a business lounge, shared and individual offices,
and shared meeting and collaboration facilities.
The BCO North Talk & Tour
event was hosted by Phil Doyle, who served as BCO North Chairperson from
2018–2021 and is the founding director of 5plus Architects. The
Manchester-based practice led on the designs that brought the Merseyway
Innovation Centre vision to life.
Representatives from Stockport
Metropolitan Borough Council presented their wider plans for the town centre,
followed by an update on the South Manchester office market by CBRE. There was
then a panel debate, including MIC operator Oxford Innovations Space, on the
role of the office sector in the future of our regional town centres and high
streets.
Phil commented: “It’s great to
see Merseyway Innovation Centre injecting new life into a vacant retail space;
transforming part of Merseyway to create a dynamic, modern and thriving hub for
local businesses and entrepreneurs.
“As ever, the BCO Talk &
Tour gave our members and other attendees a first-hand look at how
forward-thinking office accommodation can help to repurpose spaces and
reposition urban centres.
“We’d like to thank our guest
speakers for showcasing their exceptional work and passion for regeneration.”
Formally opened in November
2023, the creation of Merseyway Innovation Centre was made possible through
funding from the EU’s European Regional Development Fund (via Northern
Powerhouse), Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council, and the UK Government through
the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Cultural Development Fund.
It is central to the wider
regeneration of Merseyway by Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council, which
includes a brand-new library along with significant public realm improvements
that supports private sector office and retail investment.
The BCO North Talk & Tour
event was sponsored by TMT.
British Council for Offices
researches, develops and communicates best practice in all aspects of the
office sector. It delivers this by providing a forum for the discussion and
debate of relevant issues. Membership is drawn from those who occupy office space,
and those professional organisations and people who design, build, and manage
office space. For more information on becoming a BCO member, visit this page.
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