Company responds to backlash over plans to convert Stalybridge public house

An adaptive reuse company has responded to criticism it received on social media regarding the conversion of a public house in Stalybridge.

Morada Property Management primarily focuses on repurposing commercial buildings and converting them into residential spaces. However, the team has recently taken an interest in converting closed and nonviable public houses.

They purchased 'The Stocks Inn', a former pub in Stalybridge, for £180k however have faced strong opposition following this decision, which Steven Higginbottom, one of the business's owners, attributes to a 'misunderstanding' within the local community.

Steven highlighted that the pub has been experiencing a decline for several years and was no longer financially viable, prompting the owner to list it on the market. He also emphasised the area's saturation with busy pubs, the residential nature of the locality and the prominent location of the property at a junction.

The current state of 'The Stocks' is dormant, but Morada plans to transform it into an eight-bed all-ensuite shared house. The renovation includes a facelift for the building's front elevation, repointing, new windows, paintwork, doors, roof repairs, fixed chimneys, a new rainwater system and a refurbished traditional pub sign.

Addressing community concerns, Steven noted that there's a misconception that the property would attract undesirable individuals. He emphasised that without their proposed works, the building could become derelict, similar to the site next door.

Morada personally manages all their sites, vetting tenants through video calls, references, and requiring a guarantor. Steven asserted that their residents are often working professionals, including NHS staff, and encouraged the public to review examples of their current properties - one of which is linked here: https://www.openrent.co.uk/property-to-rent/prenton/room-in-a-shared-house-osborne-road-ch43/1800579.

The company has engaged a local builder for the project and plans to invest over £200k in creating affordable housing for those unable to own a home within Tameside. Rent for the shared house will start from £160 per week, covering all bills.

While facing a couple of concerns from the council, particularly regarding parking, Morada conducted a comprehensive parking survey over four days and nights, showing ample parking space despite limited reliance on cars from the housing's target audiences.

Steven said: "If we don't use the pub for residential use then I don't see what other potential uses it may have at all.

"We really want people to understand what we are about and how much we are looking to invest in this community in a way that can only benefit the community on every level."