Restaurant Project for ‘Great Pyramid’ Receives Approval

The transformation of a prominent structure known as “The Great Pyramid of Stockport” into a large Indian restaurant has received approval from planning authorities. The UK-based Royal Nawaab restaurant group has secured permission to convert the glass-fronted building, previously occupied by Co-operative Bank, into an Indian dining establishment capable of accommodating up to 1,500 patrons simultaneously. This steel-framed pyramid, identifiable from the M60 motorway, was constructed in 1992 on the periphery of the town centre and served as the bank’s premises until 2017. According to a spokesperson for Royal Nawaab, customers can anticipate “a level of luxury and uniqueness never before witnessed.” Plans indicate that the ground floor will feature a 360-seat buffet restaurant alongside a “lavish” banquet hall. Stockport Council planners were informed that the first floor has the capacity to serve up to 680 individuals. Additionally, the upper floors are designated for smaller restaurant areas, an office, and storage facilities. The Royal Nawaab group, which operates 11 restaurants across the UK and Europe, stated its expectation to generate approximately 100 full-time positions and a similar number of part-time roles. Mahboob Hussain, the founder of Royal Nawaab, expressed that the chain was “thrilled” to introduce its brand to an “iconic symbol of Stockport.” He clarified, “This is definitely not ‘a curry house’,” and further noted that the restaurant is expected to draw visitors from throughout the UK. Hussain concluded, “It is a dream come true, and I know that anyone that visits will be in awe.” Concurrently, Stockport councillor Colin Macalister commented that the pyramid’s renovation represents a “strong vote of confidence in Stockport’s future.” Earlier in the current year, the pyramid served as inspiration for a single titled The Great Pyramid of Stockport, created by Manchester-based spoken word musician Antony Szmierek. Initially, several additional pyramids were envisioned for the vicinity, which has since become known as Kings Valley, acknowledging the contemporary building’s connection to ancient Egyptian architectural traditions. Mark Jones, a member of the Stockport Council planning committee, characterized the pyramid as “one of the most iconic buildings in Stockport.”