Mechanics Institute, St. Peter's Gate and Wellington Road South, Stockport 

STOCKPORT MECHANICS' INSTITUTION —There has been a competition lately for a new Mechanics' Institution at Stockport, the result of which is as follows: —First premium, £20 to Mr. James Stevens, architect, of Manchester; the second, of £10 to Mr. William Walker, architect, also of Manchester. There were nine competitors. [Building News 29 April 1859 page 413]

THE PROPOSED NEW MECHANICS' INSTITUTION -  A few months back the directors of our Mechanics' Institution advertised for plans for a new building, to be erected in St. Peter's Gate and Wellington Road South, offering premiums of £20 and £10 respectively for the most eligible designs. Nine competitors furnished drawings, which were duly inspected and adjudicated upon the directors; the result being that Mr. Stevens, architect, Macclesfield, gains the first prize, and Mr. Wilson, (sic) architect, Longsight, the second. The former gentleman supplied the design our Market Hall, and the latter designed the Longsight Literary and Mechanics' Institution. – Stockport Advertiser [Manchester Courier 23 April 1859 page 8]

STOCKPORT - The Directors of the Stockport Mechanics Institute have resolved to proceed with their new building in Wellington Road South. The contract has been taken by Messrs Thackrah and Pierce for £3600. The proposed edifice was designed by Mr Stevens of Macclesfield, architect. The local Advertiser states that it is intended to deviate from the original in some respects, namely by abolishing certain decorations in masonry and substituting ornamental brickwork. [Builder 2 March 1861 Page 148]

STOCKPORT —The foundation-stone of a new mechanics’ institute has been laid at Stockport. It is estimated that the cost will be about £4,000, of which £2,500 have been realized. The site of the new institution is in Wellington-road South. The designs were furnished two years ago; the successful architect being Mr J. Stevens, of Manchester. Messrs Thackrah and Pierce are the builders. The style of the building will be Italian, and the material, brick with stone dressings. The basement will contain the class-rooms, to which the entrance will be in Lawrence-street, and will also be furnished with cooking apparatus. On the ground-floor will be the newsroom, library, chess-room, and boardroom, to be approached by the two principal entrances, to each of which there will be a flight of steps. The assembly room, which is to be in the upper story, will accommodate 1,200 persons; its dimensions being 80 feet by 42 feet. It will be surmounted by a dome, and entirely lighted from the top. The windows will be of circular form, headed with keystones. [Builder 22 June 1861 Page 432]

Reference    Building News 29 April 1859 page 413
Reference    Builder 30 April 1859 page 301 – as BN
Reference    Manchester Courier 23 April 1859 page 8
Reference    Builder 2 March 1861 Page 148
Reference    Manchester Guardian Saturday 26 April 1862 Page 2 (Contracts)
Reference    Manchester Guardian 10 June 1861 Page 3 - foundation stone
Reference    Builder 22 June 1861 Page 432