Stockport Pyramid

Stockport Pyramid
Stockport Pyramid in 2014
Location within Greater Manchester
General information
TypeCommercial offices (1992–2018)
Restaurant (2025–present)
LocationYew Street, Stockport, Greater Manchester, England
Coordinates53°24′29″N 2°10′31″W / 53.4080°N 2.1754°W / 53.4080; -2.1754
Construction started1987
Completed1992
Renovated2024–25
OwnerEamar Developments
Height
Roof36.6 m (120 ft)
Technical details
Floor count6
Floor area86,000 sq ft (8,000 m2)
Design and construction
ArchitectsMichael Hyde and Associates
Website
Official website
References
[1][2]

The Stockport Pyramid, also known as the Co-operative Bank Pyramid or simply The Pyramid, is a former office building on Yew Street in Stockport, Greater Manchester, England. Built in the early 1990s as part of an incomplete commercial development, it is noted for its distinctive glass‑and‑steel pyramid design. Originally occupied by the Co‑operative Bank between 1995 and 2018, the building later stood vacant for several years before being converted into an Indian and Pakistani restaurant and banqueting venue, the Royal Nawaab, which opened in April 2025.

History

The Pyramid was intended to be the "signature building" within a larger development scheme that originally included multiple pyramid-shaped buildings.[3] Sources vary on the number of pyramids that were originally planned; some state two further pyramids would be built,[4] whilst others state four more pyramids were planned.[5]

Construction commenced in 1987 and was completed in 1992.[1][6] During construction, the developers went into administration and the building was repossessed by The Co-operative Banking Group, who had financed the development.[7] Between the completion of the building in 1992 and the occupancy by the Co-operative in 1995, the building was empty.[8] It was occupied by The Co-operative Bank from 1995 until they relocated to One Angel Square in NOMA in Manchester city centre in 2018.[9]

Several failed development projects near the site, including the pyramid's own unoccupancy immediately after construction and The Co-operative Bank's near-collapse in 2013,[10] led to a superstitious consideration that the site was 'cursed'. The curse was announced as 'lifted' when nearby developments resumed in 2005 with the sale of office blocks in the surrounding business park.[11]

The business park has been referred to as "The Stopfordian Valley of the Kings",[5] "Kings Reach",[3] or "Kings Valley".[12]

Refurbishment

In 2019 the building was bought by the Saudi Arabian investment company Eamar Developments after being advertised for sale in the summer of 2018 for around £4.5 million.[13] The buyer planned to let the site as office space after refurbishment.[14]

In July 2023, the restaurant business Royal Nawaab announced plans to convert the entire building into a restaurant and banqueting hall.[15] In September 2023, the company confirmed that the project would proceed and that the venue was expected to open in summer 2024.[16] In October 2024, it was reported that the plans would be finalised through Stockport Council's planning committee.[17] Planning approval for the Pyramid's conversion into an Indian and Pakistani restaurant with capacity for up to 1,500 diners was granted in November 2024.[18] The conversion work was expected to be completed, and the restaurant opened, in April 2025.[19] On 15 April 2025, Royal Nawaab announced a soft opening, allowing bookings for a short period between 17 April and 15 May.[20]

  • Royal Nawaab entrance
  • Royal Nawaab from floor 4
  • Royal Nawaab roof from inside
  • Tables set for a wedding

Design

The pyramid has been described as "avant-garde", "aspirational" and an "incongruous structure" compared to the industrial era buildings commonly found in Stockport.[5] Contrary to it commonly being referred to as a pyramid, the Manchester Evening News claims that the building's shape is "more accurately described as a ziggurat".[5]

References

  1. ^ a b "The Pyramid". Emporis. Retrieved 23 March 2021.
  2. ^ "Michael Hyde and Associates Limited". Emporis. Retrieved 23 March 2021.
  3. ^ a b "Iconic Stockport Pyramid Hits the Market". Marketing Stockport. 9 July 2018. Archived from the original on 18 September 2019. Retrieved 23 March 2021.
  4. ^ "Stockport Pyramid bought by Saudi investor". Marketing Stockport. 29 May 2019. Retrieved 23 March 2021.
  5. ^ a b c d "The unknown story behind Stockport's Pyramid - and 'The Valley of the Kings' that never was". Manchester Evening News. June 2019. Archived from the original on 21 January 2021. Retrieved 23 March 2021.
  6. ^ Carey, Declan (14 September 2023). "Inside Stockport Pyramid's planned transformation into huge curry house with space for 1,500 diners". Manchester Evening News. Retrieved 14 March 2025.
  7. ^ "Inside the Stockport Pyramid". Marketing Stockport. 28 February 2020. Archived from the original on 11 February 2021. Retrieved 23 March 2021.
  8. ^ "Stockport Pyramid hits the market". Place North West. 28 August 2019. Retrieved 23 March 2021.
  9. ^ Begum, Shelina (29 May 2019). "The iconic Stockport Pyramid has been purchased from the Co-op after going on the market for £4.5m". Manchester Evening News. Retrieved 23 March 2021.
  10. ^ "Co-op Bank apologises and confirms £1.3bn losses". BBC News. 11 April 2014. Archived from the original on 20 April 2021. Retrieved 23 March 2021.
  11. ^ "Curse of the Co-op Pyramid is lifted". Manchester Evening News. 12 July 2005. Archived from the original on 2 June 2021. Retrieved 23 March 2021.
  12. ^ "Stockport's Pyramid building seeks tenants, following costly refurb". Confidentials. Retrieved 23 March 2021.
  13. ^ "Stockport Pyramid bought by Saudi investor". Place North West. 29 May 2019. Retrieved 23 March 2021.
  14. ^ "Eamar Developments to begin refurbishment of Stockport Pyramid". Marketing Stockport. 27 November 2019.
  15. ^ Whelan, Dan (7 July 2023). "Stockport Pyramid to become restaurant". Place North West. Retrieved 7 July 2023.
  16. ^ Maidment, Adam. "Stockport Pyramid will become curry house as Indian restaurant unveils first plans". Manchester Evening News. Archived from the original on 4 October 2023. Retrieved 23 October 2023.
  17. ^ Carey, Declan (16 October 2024). "Curry house plan for pyramid building moves closer". BBC News. Retrieved 14 March 2025.
  18. ^ Gawme, Ewan (15 November 2024). "Restaurant plan for 'Great Pyramid' given go ahead". BBC News. Retrieved 14 March 2025.
  19. ^ Wareing, Dan; Stead, Richard (13 March 2025). "Pyramid curry house 'nearly there' after challenges". BBC News. Archived from the original on 13 March 2025. Retrieved 14 March 2025.
  20. ^ Maidment, Adam. "Stockport Pyramid restaurant to welcome first visitors with bookings now open". Manchester Evening News. Retrieved 19 April 2025.
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