Thanks in advance for the interesting and informative comments! To conform to my guidelines, make them relevant to the content of the video, respectful and please explain your point!
Love how the drone photography gives us a full view of the Interchange's best visual feature, its curves. It really is a shame that so much of the view of the viaduct has been blocked but they probably couldn't make the project feasible without that result. Nice to see all the solar panels on top of the residential block. Overall it looks like this will improve the quality of life for those in your hometown.
I think the interchange will be a big improvement. The old bus station was a forlorn place especially at night. I like the architecture. As for the tower block right up against the viaduct, I think it was completely unnecessary. I think they just wanted to be “bold” and iconoclastic but it just sends out the message that our industrial architectural heritage is not something to be respected. I predict that there are going to be problems with that building. We’ll see.
I visited here from Brooklyn, NY in April 2023 with my distant cousin that I met through ancestry. He took me on a tour of Stockport so watching this video, I can totally recall this area. I am impressed with the new bus station, however, does it make sense to have housing so close to the viaduct? I hope it all works out and that it brings people to Stockport to shop in your markets and learn about your really interesting town! I loved it there. Regards, Alison from Brooklyn.
Great to hear from you, I'm glad to hear some positive feedback about Stockport. In a short video I said as Brooklyn is to Manhattan, so Stockport is to Manchester - only that Stockport is Manchester's neighbour to the south east! Stockport is where I was born and grew up and live now (after many periods abroad, including New York) and I'm glad to be here. Brooklyn is legendary!
Thanks Aidan, brilliant video once again. It's certainly an exciting time for Stockport, and it's great to see all the before and after photos to highlight the ongoing transformation.
I’ve followed this project for quite some time now and what I’m really concerned about is that there are not going to be armed BTP or GMP police and/or armed military patrolling inside and outside this building in the interests of public safety, especially in the post-Covid era and related issues - I’ve written to the GMPTE about this and it would appear that this does not seem to be a priority for them
Hmmm, that's an interesting point I'd not thought about. Normally armed police are only on patrol if the authorities feel there is a heightened level of danger. At least there are staff on duty there till late at night. Thanks for flagging it up.
I think you might be interested in some of the developments that are occuring in Wigan and Bolton at the moment. You can find a lot of information online and i believe work has started on most of them!
Yes I read about the one in Bolton, not seen the one in Wigan. I have limited time available at the moment but I’ll do my best. I’m based in Stockport so I have a special interest and it’s convenient!
I used to drink in the farmers arms -shame to see it knocked down. But as my other half works over the road, getting a Greggs after dropping her off doesn’t seem too bad.
The Farmer's Arms is just one of countless pubs that have closed. Things have changed. There's one in Stockport that's doing very well and it has a great carvery: Puss in Boots.
I don't live in the UK, so I can only go by the pictures, but without a shadow of doubt, I forecast that the Interchange will definitely become known by the moniker of 'The Tissue Box' (or 'Kleenex Box', something like that) - I won't claim that I spontaneously came up with the same name myself when looking at the images, but my subconscious brain was definitely screaming "I _know_ that shape..." The second you said it, it clicked! [PS - Reminds me a little of Sheffield's old 'Hole in the Road!] Looking at the ramp, and speaking as a wheelchair user (yes, I confess, _I_ even roll my eyes on hearing the phrase 'Speaking as a ••••••', automatically thinking "This section may contain some preaching - please feel free to fast~forward!") ...But, yeah, as a wheelchair user, obviously I have no intrinsic objection to a ramp. Still, I've gotta make the observation that going _up_ that ramp, for those using 'manual' wheelchairs, or crutches, or even pushing prams, looks like a tedious and time~consuming cardio workout, and like something out of Takeshi's Castle for anyone rushing for a bus! And as for coming _down_ - even as it will attract metaphorical thrill~seekers (or even _real_ ones - BMX'ers, skateboarders, etc), it will repel the faint~hearted, not to mention anyone feeling unable to place complete trust in the integrity of their hips, or brakes, especially in icy conditions! As such, I _do_ hope that some sort of provision has been made for a lift or two. I realise that people may worry about vandalism, or that the lifts would be abused by drug~users, petting couples, etc, or the risk of becoming trapped inside, but if the area sees the amount of 'foot' traffic that seems likely, and especially in the current age of omni~present surveillance (whether one likes it or not!) the first two of these issues shouldn't present too much of a problem, and systems for coming to the rescue of trapped passengers have existed for many decades. It is very good to see that, at least as far as developers are concerned, whether at municipal level or not I honestly can't say, the problem of (lack of) housing is something that is being addressed, to whatever degree, in Stockport. Would that my adopted hometown of Dublin, where the problem of homelessness is becoming potentially volatile, and a political football for extremists on both sides of the political spectrum, even as those with actual power do nothing, would take some notice from Stockport's example! That said, I don't necessarily see the fact that Springmount Mill hasn't been able to make 'social and affordable' flats available as the bad thing that one might think - it avoids accusations (unfair as they might be) of the poor being 'decanted' into housing where their kids could be playing on chemically blighted land! Staying with the issue of social housing, it is naturally good to see that Weir Mill will be providing some - but Good God! As other commenters have asked, did it _really_ have to be built so close to the magnificent viaduct?! Anyway, I'm afraid I haven't 'been by' in a while; and I have no particular connections with Stockport, or the (English) North West - all the more reason for me to note another 'banger' of a video - great job!
Many thanks for your wordy but very readable comment. There will be lifts and escalators between the ground and the roof. You are in Dublin, my second home. Yes the housing situation there is bad, because they didn’t build enough new homes. Many thanks for your positive words and in answer to your final question, no it didn’t. Looking forward to seeing the Tissue Box on Sunday, St Patrick’s Day. Will they be bringing in a priest to perform an official blessing, I wonder. They do that in Germany.
@@AidanEyewitness Wordy? Cripes, you ain't kidding! I just read back over my comment there, and yeah, I have to put my hands up, God, you're right, I sure do bang on! I'll try 'n let you off easy this time! I really appreciate your kind words, and thanks for your update on The Overlook, or whatever name they're going to go with. _Officially,_ that is! Have they settled on Paddy's Day for the opening? If you'll pardon the cliché, be a nice opportunity to toast the Interchange's big day. And though I'm not especially religious, it sure couldn't hurt to have a priest open it, be kinda nice, actually. Although some might see it as a bit divisive, unfortunately, it seems like anything one does these days can be politically sensitive... You're 100% correct about Dublin's housing shortage, btw. I know you're a frequent visitor to this city - "Dear old Dirty Dublin"; hopefully not so dirty these days! I've actually watched your excellent videos on Cork and Dublin both, several times. The way you've been recording the changing face of Britain & Ireland's town and cities will be a valuable resource in the future for anyone interested in architecture, urban landscapes, geography, all sorts of things. Even just people with a 'nostalgic'(?) 'nostalgical(?) itch to scratch... Wow! And that's meant to be _brief!_ 🫣 Sorry, Mate!
Many anks for the feedback, which is very useful. I’ll keep this in mind when I’m setting the volume of the music against the voiceover and background sounds.
Thanks for this! I wish nothing but well for Stockport but have a couple of comments. Think Stockport think viaduct, town hall and Robinsons. Anything that obstructs any view of the magnificent viaduct should be dynamited. Nothing should be built that diminishes the town hall and Robinson's Brewery should be preserved for ever! No the interchange is not yet complete and will only be so when Metrolink reaches it.
Yes, but the block is there now. Hopefully it will be removed in due course. The town hall is magnificent and is not under threat, as far as I'm aware. Robinsons are moving out of their town centre brewery but I think the building is going to be preserved and re-used.
I think they are trying to make a bold statement and annoy the old 'stick in the muds' who say you should not build blocks of flats right in front of iconic, groundbreaking, listed industrial-era structures! It was renovated a few years ago but it needs renovating again. Maybe in time for its 200th anniversary!
Stockport must not become Manchester’s Croydon, as I have said before. It has a much nicer hinterland and better architecture but one of the beauties of the towns around Manchester, was they had a fierce independence and their civic buildings are testament to this. Close proximity to Manchester, must not mean these towns turn to dreary dormitory towns which you see in the South East.
I like Croydon. It's a vibrant part of south London which has not overly fallen foul of rampant gentrification. Extremely multi-cultural. It's regarded as the new Brixton! It's now confident in it's brutalist high rise image and lots of other residential towers have appeared, as well as Box Park.
I don't think this is happening in Stockport. It's just been recognised as one of the most 'exciting' towns around. As for Croydon, I don't know it well enough to judge.
Thanks in advance for the interesting and informative comments! To conform to my guidelines, make them relevant to the content of the video, respectful and please explain your point!
Quite impressive and a real transformation.
Yes, I agree! 😀
Love how the drone photography gives us a full view of the Interchange's best visual feature, its curves. It really is a shame that so much of the view of the viaduct has been blocked but they probably couldn't make the project feasible without that result. Nice to see all the solar panels on top of the residential block. Overall it looks like this will improve the quality of life for those in your hometown.
I think the interchange will be a big improvement. The old bus station was a forlorn place especially at night. I like the architecture. As for the tower block right up against the viaduct, I think it was completely unnecessary. I think they just wanted to be “bold” and iconoclastic but it just sends out the message that our industrial architectural heritage is not something to be respected. I predict that there are going to be problems with that building. We’ll see.
Very interesting video! It was great meeting you in Viaduct Park yesterday. Looking forward to your video of the opening day 😊
Great to meet you too! Many thanks for watching. I hope to make the new video live at 4pm 😀
I visited here from Brooklyn, NY in April 2023 with my distant cousin that I met through ancestry. He took me on a tour of Stockport so watching this video, I can totally recall this area. I am impressed with the new bus station, however, does it make sense to have housing so close to the viaduct? I hope it all works out and that it brings people to Stockport to shop in your markets and learn about your really interesting town! I loved it there. Regards, Alison from Brooklyn.
Great to hear from you, I'm glad to hear some positive feedback about Stockport. In a short video I said as Brooklyn is to Manhattan, so Stockport is to Manchester - only that Stockport is Manchester's neighbour to the south east! Stockport is where I was born and grew up and live now (after many periods abroad, including New York) and I'm glad to be here. Brooklyn is legendary!
Thanks Aidan, brilliant video once again. It's certainly an exciting time for Stockport, and it's great to see all the before and after photos to highlight the ongoing transformation.
Many thanks for the positive feedback. There will be more then and now photos in the video about the opening in two weeks time.
Great video, as usual!
Many thanks for the positive words!
Very informative , "Thank-You" "Danke"
Many thanks and thanks for the words in German… Bitte schön!
Looks lovely.
Looking forward to Sunday morning!
I’ve followed this project for quite some time now and what I’m really concerned about is that there are not going to be armed BTP or GMP police and/or armed military patrolling inside and outside this building in the interests of public safety, especially in the post-Covid era and related issues - I’ve written to the GMPTE about this and it would appear that this does not seem to be a priority for them
Hmmm, that's an interesting point I'd not thought about. Normally armed police are only on patrol if the authorities feel there is a heightened level of danger. At least there are staff on duty there till late at night. Thanks for flagging it up.
Thank you Aidan 😊
Thanks, it’s a pleasure! 🙂
I think you might be interested in some of the developments that are occuring in Wigan and Bolton at the moment. You can find a lot of information online and i believe work has started on most of them!
Yes I read about the one in Bolton, not seen the one in Wigan. I have limited time available at the moment but I’ll do my best. I’m based in Stockport so I have a special interest and it’s convenient!
@@AidanEyewitness Of course! this is for when you become the premier development youtube of Manchester and need more content! keep up the great work!
@@chrisgilmore2957Thanks very much. I’m getting there - slowly!
I used to drink in the farmers arms -shame to see it knocked down. But as my other half works over the road, getting a Greggs after dropping her off doesn’t seem too bad.
The Farmer's Arms is just one of countless pubs that have closed. Things have changed. There's one in Stockport that's doing very well and it has a great carvery: Puss in Boots.
Great video again 👍
Many thanks, glad you enjoyed it!
I don't live in the UK, so I can only go by the pictures, but without a shadow of doubt, I forecast that the Interchange will definitely become known by the moniker of 'The Tissue Box' (or 'Kleenex Box', something like that) - I won't claim that I spontaneously came up with the same name myself when looking at the images, but my subconscious brain was definitely screaming "I _know_ that shape..." The second you said it, it clicked! [PS - Reminds me a little of Sheffield's old 'Hole in the Road!]
Looking at the ramp, and speaking as a wheelchair user (yes, I confess, _I_ even roll my eyes on hearing the phrase 'Speaking as a ••••••', automatically thinking "This section may contain some preaching - please feel free to fast~forward!") ...But, yeah, as a wheelchair user, obviously I have no intrinsic objection to a ramp. Still, I've gotta make the observation that going _up_ that ramp, for those using 'manual' wheelchairs, or crutches, or even pushing prams, looks like a tedious and time~consuming cardio workout, and like something out of Takeshi's Castle for anyone rushing for a bus! And as for coming _down_ - even as it will attract metaphorical thrill~seekers (or even _real_ ones - BMX'ers, skateboarders, etc), it will repel the faint~hearted, not to mention anyone feeling unable to place complete trust in the integrity of their hips, or brakes, especially in icy conditions! As such, I _do_ hope that some sort of provision has been made for a lift or two. I realise that people may worry about vandalism, or that the lifts would be abused by drug~users, petting couples, etc, or the risk of becoming trapped inside, but if the area sees the amount of 'foot' traffic that seems likely, and especially in the current age of omni~present surveillance (whether one likes it or not!) the first two of these issues shouldn't present too much of a problem, and systems for coming to the rescue of trapped passengers have existed for many decades.
It is very good to see that, at least as far as developers are concerned, whether at municipal level or not I honestly can't say, the problem of (lack of) housing is something that is being addressed, to whatever degree, in Stockport. Would that my adopted hometown of Dublin, where the problem of homelessness is becoming potentially volatile, and a political football for extremists on both sides of the political spectrum, even as those with actual power do nothing, would take some notice from Stockport's example! That said, I don't necessarily see the fact that Springmount Mill hasn't been able to make 'social and affordable' flats available as the bad thing that one might think - it avoids accusations (unfair as they might be) of the poor being 'decanted' into housing where their kids could be playing on chemically blighted land! Staying with the issue of social housing, it is naturally good to see that Weir Mill will be providing some - but Good God! As other commenters have asked, did it _really_ have to be built so close to the magnificent viaduct?!
Anyway, I'm afraid I haven't 'been by' in a while; and I have no particular connections with Stockport, or the (English) North West - all the more reason for me to note another 'banger' of a video - great job!
Many thanks for your wordy but very readable comment. There will be lifts and escalators between the ground and the roof. You are in Dublin, my second home. Yes the housing situation there is bad, because they didn’t build enough new homes. Many thanks for your positive words and in answer to your final question, no it didn’t. Looking forward to seeing the Tissue Box on Sunday, St Patrick’s Day. Will they be bringing in a priest to perform an official blessing, I wonder. They do that in Germany.
@@AidanEyewitness Wordy? Cripes, you ain't kidding! I just read back over my comment there, and yeah, I have to put my hands up, God, you're right, I sure do bang on! I'll try 'n let you off easy this time!
I really appreciate your kind words, and thanks for your update on The Overlook, or whatever name they're going to go with. _Officially,_ that is! Have they settled on Paddy's Day for the opening? If you'll pardon the cliché, be a nice opportunity to toast the Interchange's big day. And though I'm not especially religious, it sure couldn't hurt to have a priest open it, be kinda nice, actually. Although some might see it as a bit divisive, unfortunately, it seems like anything one does these days can be politically sensitive...
You're 100% correct about Dublin's housing shortage, btw. I know you're a frequent visitor to this city - "Dear old Dirty Dublin"; hopefully not so dirty these days! I've actually watched your excellent videos on Cork and Dublin both, several times. The way you've been recording the changing face of Britain & Ireland's town and cities will be a valuable resource in the future for anyone interested in architecture, urban landscapes, geography, all sorts of things. Even just people with a 'nostalgic'(?) 'nostalgical(?) itch to scratch...
Wow! And that's meant to be _brief!_ 🫣 Sorry, Mate!
@@richiehoyt8487 Many thanks for that quick message! 😅 and for the supportive words. I feel I have to document the changing city for the future.
Music far too loud. Didn’t get to the end.
Many anks for the feedback, which is very useful. I’ll keep this in mind when I’m setting the volume of the music against the voiceover and background sounds.
Good vid
Thanks very much!
Thanks for this! I wish nothing but well for Stockport but have a couple of comments. Think Stockport think viaduct, town hall and Robinsons. Anything that obstructs any view of the magnificent viaduct should be dynamited. Nothing should be built that diminishes the town hall and Robinson's Brewery should be preserved for ever! No the interchange is not yet complete and will only be so when Metrolink reaches it.
Yes, but the block is there now. Hopefully it will be removed in due course. The town hall is magnificent and is not under threat, as far as I'm aware. Robinsons are moving out of their town centre brewery but I think the building is going to be preserved and re-used.
Arc car wash was good till it closed and very cheap
Yes. The other nearby car wash on Shaw Heath may have to move due to the construction of the new bridge.
Blocking the view of the tall attractive viaduct is not a clever thing to do. Also the brickwork on the viaduct needs cleaning.
I think they are trying to make a bold statement and annoy the old 'stick in the muds' who say you should not build blocks of flats right in front of iconic, groundbreaking, listed industrial-era structures! It was renovated a few years ago but it needs renovating again. Maybe in time for its 200th anniversary!
Stockport must not become Manchester’s Croydon, as I have said before. It has a much nicer hinterland and better architecture but one of the beauties of the towns around Manchester, was they had a fierce independence and their civic buildings are testament to this. Close proximity to Manchester, must not mean these towns turn to dreary dormitory towns which you see in the South East.
I like Croydon. It's a vibrant part of south London which has not overly fallen foul of rampant gentrification. Extremely multi-cultural. It's regarded as the new Brixton! It's now confident in it's brutalist high rise image and lots of other residential towers have appeared, as well as Box Park.
I don't think this is happening in Stockport. It's just been recognised as one of the most 'exciting' towns around. As for Croydon, I don't know it well enough to judge.
@@AidanEyewitness There is huge investment going into all the GM towns but Stockport seems to have a March on the others.
@@paulwild3676Yes I think you’re right.