We live by huge abandoned PYRAMID being transformed into world’s biggest curry house…but we’ve been left with sour taste
A GIANT abandoned pyramid in Stockport is set to become the world’s biggest curry house – but some of the locals aren’t sold.
While many joke that the bizarre structure is the “eighth wonder of the world” there have been concerns raised about the area turning into a building site.
The derelict glass venue will soon have space for 1,500 diners in the restaurant when its £15 million development is finished.
It has been empty for years after previously housing Co-op Banking in 2017, is an iconic building by an M60 junction.
And local residents have told of their “excitement” of being able to eat in such “glamorous” surroundings.
Mum-of-two Sandra Holmes, 37, said: “It’s very exciting to have this on our doorstep.
“It looks stunning – a real palace
“I love Indian food and it will be a great night out and feel very special – like eating in a palace.
“I can’t wait – mind you, I might have to save up my pennies first.”
Handyman Rob Grayson, 43, quipped: “We joke the pyramid building is like the eighth wonder of the world and should really sit in Egypt with the other pyramids.
“But it’s in Stockport and soon I’ll be tucking into a naan bread and a chicken madras there.
“It is magnificent and it’s a great idea to turn it into a curry house. It’s been abandoned for too long.”
Mum-of-three Sue Turner, 58, said: “I only realised it was coming together when I saw the curry house sign on the pyramid.
“It’s pretty exciting to have it here. I’m sure it will be a great success and people will come from miles away to eat there.”
Restaurant group Royal Nawaab is transforming the 86,000 sq ft site, with a 360-seat restaurant and buffet on the ground floor.
Up to 680 people will be served on the first floor, with space for more dining rooms, an office and storage in the floor above.
The venue in Stockport, Gtr Manchester, has been empty since the Co-operative Bank left in 2017.
But some workers near the site have complained of the amount of traffic from lorries and workmen there.
One car worker said: “It’s caused a few headaches with the traffic as it’s a building site at the moment.
“But it’s better than it being derelict which could cause even more issues.
“Hopefully we’ll all eat there for a works night out.”
Founder of the curry chain Mahboob Hussain said he was “thrilled” to bring its brand to an “iconic symbol of Stockport”, but admitted the building’s unique shape has posed some challenges.
He said: “I liked taking on this challenge and after working on a historical building in London.
“I’ll be proud to have this as a Royal Nawaab.
“There were a lot of challenges we came across because it’s a different shape of a building, but it’s interesting.
“That’s why it’s called iconic and is a historical building.
“We’ve had some issues but we’ve resolved them, and now we’re nearly there.”
He previously told fans of the curry chain the new venue would include 500 parking spaces and 40 electric chargers.
According to the restaurant’s Facebook page, it is taking bookings from next month, including for big events such as weddings.
No official opening date has yet been announced, but it’s thought it could be just weeks away.
In a sign the restaurant is nearing completion, the old ‘Co-operative’ letters at the top of the building have been removed and replaced with ‘Royal Nawaab’.
The chain previously owned My Nawaab, one of the world’s largest curry houses, with a capacity of 1,000, in nearby Levenshulme.
He said: “I liked taking on this challenge and after working on a historical building in London.
“I’ll be proud to have this as a Royal Nawaab.
“There were a lot of challenges we came across because it’s a different shape of a building, but it’s interesting.
“That’s why it’s called iconic and is a historical building.
“We’ve had some issues but we’ve resolved them, and now we’re nearly there.”