UK pyramid dubbed ‘eighth wonder of the world’ set to open to the public
A PYRAMID known as the “eighth wonder of the world” in the north of England is set to be given a new lease of life and reopened to the public.
The word “pyramid” is more commonly associated with the Egyptians or the Aztecs, but the UK has an impressive pyramid all of its own in Stockport.
It used to be the home of the Co-op bank’s call centre, but since they moved on in 2018, it has remained empty.
Now, Indian restaurant chain the Royal Nawaab is hoping to create a banqueting hall in the blue glass building in time for next summer.
Royal Nawaab already has two restaurants in London, one in Ealing and another in Ilford, and the pyramid looks set to be their next location.
Mahboob Hussain, the restaurant’s founder, has said that he wants to “breathe much needed life” into the building with “an unforgettable dining experience”.
He told Place North West: “We are hoping to breathe much needed life into this iconic building and bring with it a significant investment and job creation into the Stockport and Greater Manchester region.
“We have received a positive reaction to our plans from local people and media. It truly is an iconic building that has put Stockport on the map.
“We now want to bring it back to life with a truly unforgettable dining experience for diners across Stockport, Greater Manchester and beyond.”
Royal Nawaab made their intentions for the building clear in a post on Instagram.
They shared a video of the pyramid declaring “the icon is back”.
They also gave a hint as to when the new restaurant might open, adding: “Unveiling the Grandeur: New Royal Nawaab Manchester Opening Summer 2024.”
The building has both an interesting past and relationship with the locals.
Originally, it was supposed to be one of five pyramids that would have made up Manchester’s own ‘Valley of Kings’ like the one created in ancient Egypt.
However, only one ended up being built, after the developers ran into financial problems.
Co-op ended up having to pay for its construction which was completed in 1992.
The bank didn’t make use of it until 1995, when they moved their call centre into the building.
Manchester Evening News say that the restaurant would “breathe new life into one of Greater Manchester’s most intriguing structures”.
One local, Richard Dempsey told The Sun he thinks the new restaurant could work out well.
He said: “I think it will be a bit more than a restaurant. If it takes off in the Asian community it will be a winner.
“It’s local landmark that just off the motorway, so families could visit from all over.
“It could become a venue for Asian family events and parties – even weddings. They have decent sized car park too.”
Another local, Angela Redman, said she was fond of the pyramid as it lets her know she’s home when returning from her holidays and hopes the new business is a success.
She said: “It’s such a famous building that we all fly over on our way back home.
“I hope the restaurant works – it would be such a shame if it had to come down.”
Meanwhile, you can also get a curry from a shack on this award-winning beach in the UK.
And this UK island is labelled the country’s best hidden gem.