Our Vision

Explore The Historical Compstall Mill

Compstall Mill, built in the 1820s by George Andrew, transformed Stockport’s rural landscape into a thriving mill village. Housing 800 workers, the mill harnessed the River Etherow’s power with the massive “Big Lily” water wheel, the largest in England in 1839. It drove cotton spinning and weaving until its closure in 1966.

Despite fires and dereliction, its historic structures stand as a testament to Stockport’s industrial past.

Join us to support its redevelopment and follow updates on planning efforts to revive this iconic site!

The History of Etherow Country Park

Built by George Andrew in the 1820s, Compstall Mill shaped the heart of what is now the adjoining Etherow Country Park.

Powered by the River Etherow and its massive “Big Lily” water wheel, the mill drove cotton production and housed 800 workers in a bustling village.

After its closure in 1966, the mill’s pond and surrounding land transformed into one of England’s first country parks in 1968, now a haven for wildlife and walkers.

Progress Update

Scoping Report Submitted to Stockport Council for Compstall Mill Regeneration.

Woodford Land and Planning (WLPL), on behalf of Compstall Mill 2025 Limited(CML), has submitted a request for pre-application advice to Stockport Council for the regeneration of the Compstall Mill site on Andrew Street, Compstall.

The 1.9-hectare brownfield site, which has been vacant for several years and suffered significant deterioration, sits within the Compstall Conservation Area and contains a collection of early 19th century mill buildings.

CML’s ambition is to bring the historically important site back into productive use through a mixed-use regeneration scheme, including new homes, public realm improvements and enhanced pedestrian connections to the surrounding area and Etherow Country Park. The early proposals include new housing on Andrew Street ,the repurposing of existing buildings, new riverside homes, a heritage garden and improved pedestrian routes through the site.

The scoping submission follows ongoing engagement with senior Council officers and includes architectural proposals, a heritage assessment, transport analysis, structural engineering appraisal and other technical reports.

Technical work submitted as part of the pre-application process confirms that the existing buildings require significant intervention due to their condition, while the heritage assessment recognises both the important contribution the mill complex makes to the character of the conservation area and the impact of its ongoing

deterioration.

A hybrid planning application is anticipated later in the summer, with full permission sought for enabling works, including demolition, drainage and creation of development platforms, alongside outline consent for a wider masterplan.

Before any planning application is submitted, CML will consult with local residents about the plans and will continue to engage with the local community and stakeholders as the proposals progress through planning.

Sarah Jackson, director at Compstall Mill 2025 Limited, said: “Compstall Mill is a historically important site which has unfortunately continued to deteriorate over a long period of time.

“Our ambition is to bring the site back into productive use through a high-quality regeneration scheme that respects its heritage while securing a long-term future for the site.

“These are still emerging proposals and we look forward to engaging with local residents, stakeholders and Stockport Council before submitting a planning application.”

Further details on the proposals and upcoming community consultation activity will be announced in the coming weeks