Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said 10 firecrews consisting of 60 firefighters fought the blaze in the early hours of Monday. It said the blaze had threatened neighbouring properties and residents were evacuated as a precaution.
"The fire has severely damaged a new build development of apartments and offices that have been under construction since March 2011," said housing association client Guinness Northern Counties.
The partnership also said some repair work was needed on some neighbouring properties.
TTJ understands the timber frame building was partly located within the walls of an existing older property.
The £2.4m Lower Hillgate development, situated in a conservation area, was to have provided 13 apartments and new offices for Guinness Northern Counties’ Stockport team. It had been due to be completed in September.
CSC Construction is the main contractor on the development.
