Council gives crucial update on plans to turn Stockport Pyramid into huge curry house

Stockport council has backed plans to transform the town's iconic pyramid building into a huge curry house with a buffet restaurant and banquet halls, ahead of the decision being made next month.

Planning officers have recommended the plans be given the green light when they are heard at a town hall meeting in November, which would bring the structure next to the M60 back into use after years of sitting empty.

The plans have also been supported by Stockport's MP, who wrote to the council to say it is an "iconic and well-known structure on the Stockport landscape, and it is a detriment that it has been vacant for several years."

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A decision on the future of the building is expected to be made by councillors during a Stockport council meeting on November 14, after it is discussed at local areas committees this month.

The Royal Nawaab submitted plans last year to transform the pyramid into a huge curry house with space for 1,500 diners and 150 staff, as well as space to host events such as large weddings.

Bosses say the restaurant would create new jobs in the town and be a huge boost to the local economy.

The upper floors of the building are due to be used as storage and office space for the restaurant, while the buffet restaurant and banquet halls will be spread across three lower floors.

The huge site was designed in the late 1980s when construction work began, before it opened in 1992. It was most recently used by the Co-operative Bank but has sat empty for years, creating fears that it could fall into disrepair if left unused.

Mehboob Hussain, founder of Royal Nawaab, told the Manchester Evening News last week that the plan would have a "significant positive impact" on the building and wider area.

He added: "Our plans are designed to create a vibrant destination offering exceptional dining experiences and versatile event spaces, which will contribute to the local economy and generate job opportunities in Stockport and the Greater Manchester area."