The Stockport Pyramid, otherwise known as the Co-operative Bank Pyramid or simply The Pyramid, is a former commercial office building in Stockport, Greater Manchester, England. It was converted into a Pakistani restaurant and banqueting hall, the Royal Nawaab, which opened in April 2025.
The Pyramid was intended to be the "signature building" within a larger development scheme that originally included multiple pyramid-shaped buildings.[3] Sources vary on the number of pyramids that were originally planned; some state two further pyramids would be built,[4] whilst others state four more pyramids were planned.[5]
Construction commenced in 1987 and was completed in 1992.[1][6] During construction, the developers went into administration and the building was repossessed by The Co-operative Banking Group, who had financed the development.[7] Between the completion of the building in 1992 and the occupancy by the Co-operative in 1995, the building was empty.[8] It was occupied by The Co-operative Bank from 1995 until they relocated to One Angel Square in NOMA in Manchester city centre in 2018.[9]
Several failed development projects near the site, including the pyramid's own unoccupancy immediately after construction and The Co-operative Bank's near-collapse in 2013,[10] led to a superstitious consideration that the site was 'cursed'. The curse was announced as 'lifted' when nearby developments resumed in 2005 with the sale of office blocks in the surrounding business park.[11]
The business park has been referred to as "The Stopfordian Valley of the Kings",[5] "Kings Reach",[3] or "Kings Valley".[12]
Refurbishment
In 2019 the building was bought by the Saudi Arabian investment company Eamar Developments after being advertised for sale in the summer of 2018 for around £4.5million.[13] The buyer planned to let the site as office space after refurbishment.[14]
In July 2023, plans by restaurant business Royal Nawaab were announced to convert the entire building into a restaurant and banqueting hall.[15] In September 2023, it was confirmed by Royal Nawaab that the conversion would go ahead and the restaurant would open in the summer of 2024.[16] In October 2024, it was reported that the plans would be finalised via Stockport Council's planning committee.[17] Planning approval for the Pyramid's conversion into an Indian restaurant with the capacity to cater for up to 1,500 diners was granted in November 2024.[18] It was expected that the conversion work would be completed and the restaurant opened in April 2025.[19] On 15 April 2025, Royal Nawaab announced a soft opening, allowing bookings for a short period between 17 April and 15 May.[20]
Royal Nawab entrance
Royal Nawab from floor 4
Royal Nawab roof from inside
ready for wedding
Design
The pyramid has been described as "avant-garde", "aspirational" and an "incongruous structure" compared to the industrial era buildings commonly found in Stockport.[5] Contrary to it commonly being referred to as a pyramid, the Manchester Evening News claims that the building's shape is "more accurately described as a ziggurat".[5]
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