The Manchester Evening News has reported on a disused toilet block in Stockport that might be transformed into a 'Men's Shed' - a type of community hub that has become increasingly important in the fight against loneliness and social isolation.

Plans have been submitted to convert the former facilities - in Stockport’s Woodley Precinct - into a space where older men can make things, learn new skills and meet others.

These plans were submitted in partnership with Dash Architecture who are looking to create an open and free flowing naturally well-lit workshop space, this transformed building would provide relaxed and incidental opportunities for talking with someone, allowing men to share their worries.

A document submitted with the planning application explains the importance of the building to the group and, potentially, the area.

It states: “If the future of the ‘Stockport Community Shed’ can be secured on the proposed site as a community facility, this would enhance and provide a variety of different social and community amenities for the Woodley district, complimenting the new refurbished Arthur Greenwood Centre and Woodley Civic Hall.”

Click here to read Dash’s case study on works submitted for The Stockport Community Shed.