An exciting new housing development in Stockport has been short-listed for an award. 

The project has been carried out by Equity Housing Group, a leading housing association in Stockport and involves the restoration and development of an historic building to provide 51 fantastic new apartments available for local people to buy or rent.  

The Regional Town Planning Institute awards recognise developments that have made a notable contribution to planning in the North West  and this innovative project is amongst the front runners.

Royal Oak Brewery was originally built in 1888 and for many years was a thriving hub of the local community. But in recent years its buildings had become empty and fallen into disrepair.   Working in partnership with Stockport Council, Equity have successfully redeveloped the brewery building, to provide much needed affordable homes. In doing so they have restored and re-established Royal Oak as an iconic landmark within the town of Stockport. 

The development will not only provide an attractive gateway to the town of Stockport, but play a key role in its regeneration.  It expertly blends new build together with the retained main Royal Oak Brewery building. In doing so, it has created 51 stunning new homes, in a striking historical setting, which includes a stunning view of the Pennines. Through a shared ownership scheme it will also help many people who might otherwise have been unable to afford a home of such quality.  All but 3 of the homes for sale have already been snapped up and the waiting list for rented properties was closed after just a few days.

Equity's Chief Executive David Fisher said: "Royal Oak Brewery is a great example of what can be achieved when forward thinking organisations work together in a joined up way. It continues Equity's proud tradition of providing affordable high quality homes, at a time when they are much needed.'

Councillor Mark Weldon, Executive Member for Supporting Communities at Stockport Council, added: "We're committed to providing high quality and affordable housing in Stockport and this project is a great example of that. I'm delighted that the hard work of everyone involved has been recognised."

The overall winners of the award will be announced and presented at the RTPI NW Annual Dinner on Friday 5 October 2012 at the Radisson Hotel, Manchester.