“More than a curry house”: Restaurant has big plans for Stockport pyramid if planning permission is granted

A restaurant chain which is hoping to take over the Stockport pyramid has big plans for the local landmark – if planning permission is granted.

Earlier this week, Royal Nawaab announced their intentions to open in the iconic building by summer 2024 via a now deleted Instagram post.

Now, in a statement to Manchester World, Royal Nawaab said: “Royal Nawaab is currently in the planning process with Stockport Council for our vision for the Pyramid. When we know the outcome, we look forward to sharing more details about the destination.

“Our ambition for this iconic building is much more than a curry house – it will be a unique destination that will bring significant investment to Stockport and Greater Manchester.”

Stockport Council has confirmed to Manchester World that Royal Nawaab have submitted a planning application and that it is currently under consultation.

In order to fully utilise the massive premises, it would definitely need to be “more than a curry house.” The site is 4.5 acres in total, covering 86,000 square feet and five floors. It also has more than 400 parking spaces.

Royal Nawaab, however, do have experience in managing large spaces. Their previous Greater Manchester restaurant, located in Levenshulme, was known for its buffet and banquet hall. This venue closed in January 2023, shortly after their 20th anniversary, but their existing location in London has two function rooms and is able to cater for parties up to 500. They also have another restaurant in Ilford.

If their planning application is successful, this will be a big transformation for the glass-fronted pyramid located just off the M60. The unusual structure was completed in the early 1990s and was originally intended to be one of many pyramids in the area – Greater Manchester’s own Valley of the Kings.

These plans fell through and the Co-op Bank moved in instead. They were there until 2018, when they moved into the equally unusual but much more modern NONA building in Manchester’s Green Quarter. The pyramid has been empty ever since.