Plans to rebuild a self-storage facility destroyed in…

Plans to rebuild a self-storage facility destroyed in huge fire have been unveiled

Plans to replace a massive self-storage warehouse that was destroyed in a huge fire have been submitted. A blaze ripped through the Armadillo self-storage site on Earl Road in Cheadle, Stockport, after breaking out in the early hours of Saturday, February 26 last year.

At its height 20 fire engines and 130 firefighters were drafted in to tackle the flames at the building near the Cheshire border, which sent smoke, which was visible several miles away, billowing over surrounding areas.

It was eventually brought under control hours later but there was what bosses described as 'significant destruction of the building and most contents.'

Following the fire, individuals and businesses told the Manchester Evening News how they had 'lost everything' in the blaze and that their livelihoods had been ruined as a result. Investigators said they believed the fire had been started deliberately.

The building, which was deemed unsafe, was later demolished with the concreted site fenced off and vacant since. However, developers are now seeking permission from Stockport Council to build a new self-storage facility.

Crews battle the blaze last February (MEN MEDIA)

At four storeys high, the proposed new building would be two storeys taller than its predecessor but will occupy less of the site which owners Orbit Developments, who are behind the plans and were previously Armadillo's landlords, say leaves the potential for future development.

The plans also include 16 car parking spaces, one disabled space and two electric vehicle charging spaces as well as a sprinkler tank and pump housing.

Smoke was sent billowing and two major roads - the A555 and A34 - were closed as a result (Sean Hansford | Manchester Evening News)

Documents submitted as part of the application say: "The previous self-storage building was demolished in 2022 following extensive and irreparable fire damage, so the site presents itself asa cleared brownfield site."

They continue: "The proposed (new) unit is located to the southern end of the site with an access road splitting the site and providing an area for future development on the northern section (subject to any future planning application).

"Parking is located to the west of the unit with an appropriate area for servicing, and a new sprinkler tank and pump house are located to the southern boundary.

"The existing access off Earl Road is improved with a footpath leading to the warehouse unit. Appropriate landscaping is provided to the southern and western boundaries."

They say the building will be of 'contemporary design' and 'incorporating a number of design features' and will have 'dark grey composite cladding is utilised alongside silver cladding and low-level brickwork, with features being made from the glazed areas and yellow highlights.'

It has not yet been confirmed who will run the proposed new facility. Armadillo said they were aware of the planning application but said they were only ever the site's tenant and that questions regarding the plans should be directed to Orbit Developments.

A spokesperson for them simply said; “We can confirm the site will be re-developed in the future.”