New Openings

13

Profolk

P

roFolk, the first creative co-working workspace in Stockport, has opened its doors in the previously empty, iconic former Bank Chambers building in the Market Place, best known to a generation of locals as the site of Yates’ Wine Lodge. After significant investment by South Manchester based Hall & Co Property, ProFolk’s light and airy interior has been sympathetically renovated, a blend of traditional and contemporary, restoring the classic features of an elegant banking hall while creating an inspirational working environment. Already attracting tech teams, designers, digital entrepreneurs and biotech specialists, ProFolk’s vision has come to life creating light, airy, open plan work stations; glass walled offices, private meeting rooms, quirky presentation areas and the most secure toilets in Stockport – they are in the vaults – add to the attraction.

Leon Berry of ProFolk said: “It’s great to see technology led businesses choosing Stockport and ProFolk. Both have settled in brilliantly and we look forward to seeing them grow alongside us!” Andy Thornton from MBRE added: “The ProFolk team have created an exceptional product unique to the Stockport Office Market. Historically the creative/tech sector has been drawn to Manchester but we are now seeing a reversal to this trend owing to the competitive rents and borough wide investment that are providing a platform for the likes of ProFolk to exist and be a success in Stockport Town Centre.” Designed by award-winning architecture practice, Ollier Smurthwaite, the painstaking transformation of Bank Chambers took nine months to complete. In that time, it saw the restoration of numerous original features, including stained glass windows, marble columns, ceiling rose, bank vaults and fireplaces, whilst adding air conditioning, mood lighting, a passenger lift, flat-screen TVs and a speaker system.

Bank Chambers, Stockport SK1 1AR 0161 989 7000 www. profolk.space