Ever wondered what the huge, blue pyramid building was looming over the M60 near Stockport? Well, after sitting empty for over six years, it has been confirmed that the iconic 86,000 sq ft structure in the south of Manchester will be transformed into a massive luxury restaurant and banquet hall, after receiving planning approval last night (November 14).
Located off Junction One of the M60, the Stockport Pyramid, owned by Eamar Developments, is arguably one of the North West’s most recognisable buildings. The iconic glass structure has not been occupied since the Co-op, which paid for the construction, moved out in 2017 and relocated to NOMA in Manchester city centre.
The Stockport pyramid was originally built as part of a ‘Valley of Kings’ project, that would’ve seen five pyramids built along the River Mersey in a nod to ancient Egypt, today it stands alone after developers went into bankruptcy. However, the huge building is getting a new lease of life as the owners of one of South Manchester’s most popular curry houses have confirmed it will be taking on the pyramid.
Plans by the Royal Nawaab, which were submitted last year, to turn Stockport’s iconic landmark into a huge curry house will feature space for 1,500 diners and 150 staff, with a buffet restaurant and banquet halls across three floors have now been approved. The Pyramid will be used to host large events such as weddings within a ‘lavish spacious area’ on the first and second floor (the first floor with 680 seats and the second floor with 300 seats).
The third and fourth floors of the building are due to used as storage and office space for the restaurant. The huge structure next to the M60 was designed in the late 1980s when construction work began, before it opened in 1992.
Royal Nawaab currently has two sites in London and recently closed its original 2003 restaurant on Stockport Road and was taken over by Indian restaurant My Nawaab. Mahboob Hussain of Royal Nawaab said: “Living close to Stockport, the Pyramid has always been an iconic symbol of the town for me.
“It is unique and we are thrilled to be bringing Royal Nawaab Manchester. This is definitely not ‘a curry house’. Royal Nawaab will be a destination and will attract visitors from across the UK and beyond to experience the best cuisine in the most stunning of settings.”
The plans came before the town hall’s planning panel on November 14 where the future of the Pyramid was decided. The Pyramid Building is expected to open in the first quarter of 2025 and you can sign up to be the first to hear when the Royal Nawaab restaurant is opening at the Stockport Pyramid building here.
Royal Nawaab, The Pyramid Building, The Valley of Kings, Stockport, SK4 2JZ.