On Wednesday 24 January, up to 40 BCO North members were given an in-depth look at the prime commercial space, situated in the middle of the town’s retail district.
Mersey Innovation Centre has been transformed from a vacant 1960s retail space into a vibrant and sustainable co-working space.
The centre now offers flexible serviced office and coworking accommodation for new start-up and existing small businesses. The revamped space includes a business lounge, shared and individual offices, and shared meeting and collaboration facilities.
The BCO North Talk & Tour event was hosted by Phil Doyle, who served as BCO North Chairperson from 2018–2021 and is the founding director of 5plus Architects. The Manchester-based practice led on the designs that brought the Merseyway Innovation Centre vision to life.
Representatives from Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council presented their wider plans for the town centre, followed by an update on the South Manchester office market by CBRE. There was then a panel debate, including MIC operator Oxford Innovations Space, on the role of the office sector in the future of our regional town centres and high streets.
Phil commented: “It’s great to see Merseyway Innovation Centre injecting new life into a vacant retail space; transforming part of Merseyway to create a dynamic, modern and thriving hub for local businesses and entrepreneurs.
“As ever, the BCO Talk & Tour gave our members and other attendees a first-hand look at how forward-thinking office accommodation can help to repurpose spaces and reposition urban centres.
“We’d like to thank our guest speakers for showcasing their exceptional work and passion for regeneration.”
Formally opened in November 2023, the creation of Merseyway Innovation Centre was made possible through funding from the EU’s European Regional Development Fund (via Northern Powerhouse), Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council, and the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Cultural Development Fund.
It is central to the wider regeneration of Merseyway by Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council, which includes a brand-new library along with significant public realm improvements that supports private sector office and retail investment.
The BCO North Talk & Tour event was sponsored by TMT.
British Council for Offices researches, develops and communicates best practice in all aspects of the office sector. It delivers this by providing a forum for the discussion and debate of relevant issues. Membership is drawn from those who occupy office space, and those professional organisations and people who design, build, and manage office space. For more information on becoming a BCO member, visit this page.
August 25, 2026 
By BCO Media 
