Work is progressing on Cheadle's new Eco Park, a sustainable business park for growing companies.

The timber frame is now in place for one of the workspaces, designed for light industrial businesses.

By using timber for its frame instead of steel, the structure has seen a 40 percent reduction in 'embodied carbon', which refers to the carbon emitted during the production of the materials themselves.

The Eco Park is based on Bird Hall Lane. Once complete, by March 2027, it's expected to support around 200 new jobs and six new business units.

Set across seven acres, it will be the largest timber-built industrial and logistics scheme in the country.

The older industrial units which once occupied the site have been demolished, with new trees, landscaping, drainage, and walking / cycling paths to be built alongside the new units.

The aim is to provide modern, sustainable workspaces for growing local businesses.

Stockport Council expects the space will attract businesses that create good jobs while keeping noise and pollution in the surrounding area low.

As they take shape, the units themselves will incorporate energy-saving features such as air-source heat pumps, natural ventilation, energy-efficient lighting, solar panels and electric vehicle charging points.

The project is supported by funding from the Government's Town Fund and is part of Cheadle's wider Town Investment Plan.

Cllr Micheala Meikle, cabinet member for economy, regeneration and skills, described it as an 'important moment for Cheadle and Stockport', and part of the council's ambition to create 'modern, sustainable places for businesses to grow and flourish'.

"By using sustainably sourced timber on this scale, the scheme shows that light-industrial development can be delivered differently in a cleaner, smarter way, and with the future in mind", Cllr Meikle said.

"We are proud that Stockport is setting the standard for the region and the UK, while delivering investment that will support Cheadle's local economy for years to come."

Dave Saville, regional managing director of Caddick Construction - who are carrying out the build - said 'great strides have been made'.

"With the building timber frame now complete, there is real excitement for this development as a new standard in sustainable industrial development, and this sentiment has continued to grow as work has built momentum", he said.

"It's rewarding to be part of a project that not only meets the needs of Stockport Council but also sets a benchmark for the future of sustainable construction in the North West."

Tony Fox, technical director at Network Space Developments, said: "With construction now well under way, the sustainability credentials of Cheadle Eco Park are really taking shape.

"Targeting BREEAM Outstanding puts the scheme in the top 1 percent of non-residential buildings in the UK, and the full timber structural frame, combined with sustainably sourced materials throughout, is delivering a 40% reduction in embodied carbon.

"Every unit will be all-electric, with VRF heating and cooling, rooftop solar PV, smart building controls and EV charging, so occupiers benefit from genuinely low running costs alongside the highest sustainability rating available.

"We are incorporating high-quality finishes, enhanced landscape treatment and sustainable surface water management, so this is a scheme businesses will be proud to be based at.

"It's this level of detail that's setting a new benchmark for sustainable industrial development in the region, and we're looking forward to seeing it come to life on site."

Brian Bradley, chair of Cheadle Towns Fund Board, also said: "The erection of the timber structure is a landmark moment for Cheadle Eco Park and a clear sign that this important project is moving forward at pace.

"It represents a major investment in Cheadle's economic future, bringing high-quality jobs, supporting cleaner growth and creating a modern employment destination that will benefit the town for many years to come.

"The Board is proud to see this transformative scheme taking shape."

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