Editor's note: This brief was summarised by The Property AI Newsroom from a report by Property Industry Eye. Read the original article for full details.

Edward Mellor advances plans to turn Stockport HQ into 190 homes

Estate agency Edward Mellor is pushing ahead with plans to redevelop its long-standing head office in Stockport town centre into a major residential scheme. The proposals would deliver up to 190 apartments across three blocks on the St Petersgate site.

The developer has submitted early-stage proposals to Stockport Council as part of the environmental impact assessment screening process, and the project team is now preparing a full planning application.

What the scheme includes

The plans, designed by Ollier Smuthwaite Architects, would retain 63-81 St Petersgate, a locally listed building that Edward Mellor has occupied since 2004. The scheme also features two new-build blocks: one fronting Lord Street with eight- and 12-storey elements, and another on Lawrence Street rising to six storeys.

Alongside the residential units, the scheme proposes around 20,000 sq ft of office and retail space.

Background to the plans

Edward Mellor has considered redeveloping the site for several years. In 2020, the agency appointed Edwards Property Consultants to find a buyer, but ultimately decided to retain the property. It then unveiled redevelopment proposals in November 2024.

The latest plans have been submitted by Petersgate Property Developments, with Paul Butler Associates providing planning advice. Edward Mellor chief executive Colin Mellor, son of the agency's founder, heads the company alongside Connor and Jessica Mellor.

Why it matters for agents and clerks

For letting agents and inventory clerks working in and around Stockport, the scheme, if approved, would add a substantial number of new-build apartments to the town centre rental market. Agents tracking local stock levels and clerks preparing inventories in the SK1 area may wish to follow the progress of the full planning application as it is submitted to Stockport Council.