Staircase House Museum

The Grade II* Staircase House is one of the best-preserved examples of medieval and post-medieval urban vernacular buildings. It is the most significant building in Stockport’s historic market area; however, it was at risk of loss due to severe neglect and fire damage. When Stockport MBC acquired the property, it was derelict, inaccessible and in a state of partial collapse.

Donald Insall Associates played a critical role in obtaining funding and transforming the building into an asset: a learning resource and a physical and cultural record of 500 years of urban vernacular construction. The rescue project included a new building on the adjacent site to house modern facilities, which the fragile Staircase House could not accommodate. This extension allowed the original courtyard to be reopened and used as the hub for new visitor circulation.