Recently named Greater Manchester’s ‘Town of Culture’ for 2023 and voted as one of the best places to live in the north west by The Sunday Times, ‘reinvented’ Stockport is a town that has a rich history dating back over a thousand years. Its strategic location on the River Mersey made it an important centre for trade and industry during the Industrial Revolution when it was a successful exporter of cotton and hats (hence Stockport County F.C.’s nickname of The Hatters).

Many may know Stockport for its 27-arch brick railway viaduct (the largest brick built structure in Western Europe), its internationally recognised Plaza Theatre, or its Foodie Friday food festival which brings vendors from across the region to its market hall.

In terms of the economy now, Stockport is an important centre for business and commerce in Greater Manchester. It accommodates many major employers, such as the Co-operative Bank, Adidas, BT and McVities. The economy is diverse, fueled by key industries including manufacturing, retail, and service sectors. Key exports include chemicals, textiles, machinery, and transportation equipment. After Manchester and Salford, Stockport is the third-largest borough in Greater Manchester in terms of both size and contribution to the GM economy (GVA).

Stockport’s recent withdrawal from the Strategic Plan for Greater Manchester - Places for Everyone - has set it apart from the other nine GM authorities as one which has its own unique vision for itself. Despite initial uncertainty, it is attracting new investors and is showing no signs of wavering in terms of growth, marking a period of transformation that is set to shape its future.

Recent progress

There have been several key development projects in Stockport in recent years, forming part of a £1bn regeneration package from a mix of public and private funding and central government grants, with Stockport Mayoral Development (MDC) most recently announcing The English Cities Fund (ECF) as its preferred long-term joint venture partner to develop an eight-acre site, known as Stockport 8, in Stockport town centre.

Here are some more examples:

1. Stockport Exchange: This major mixed-use development is located next to Stockport train station and is one of Greater Manchester’s most connected and accessible business hubs. Three phases of development have already been successfully delivered, including a 115-bedroom Holiday Inn Express, a 1,000-space NCP multi-storey car park, and two office buildings totalling 120,000 sq ft with ground-floor retail and food and drink uses, set within extensive public realm. The scheme has attracted international and national occupiers such as BASF and musicMagpie, which both have their UK HQs within the scheme. Phase 4 is nearing completion and will deliver around 64,000 sq ft of high-quality office space, along with an innovative c400-space multi-storey car park for office occupiers, featuring electric vehicle charging points and a green ‘living’ wall.
2. Redrock Stockport: This is a new leisure and retail complex located in the heart of the town centre. It includes a 10-screen cinema, a range of restaurants and cafés, and a 340-space car park. The development has helped attract new visitors to the town centre and has created over 400 new jobs.
3. Aurora Stockport: This is a new office development located on the site of the former Sorting Office in the town centre. The development includes over 66,000 sq ft of Grade A office space, as well as a new public square and improved pedestrian links. The project has helped to attract new businesses to Stockport and has created over 600 new jobs.

The future of Stockport

Stockport made headline news in January 2022 when it announced it would be pulling out of Places for Everyone. Despite going solo, exciting developments are progressing at pace:

1. Stockport Interchange: £120m of funding has been allocated to demolish the old bus station and replace it with a modern, integrated transport hub. Work has already commenced to create a new bus station, improved cycle and pedestrian links, and new public spaces. Expected to open in 2024, the scheme will also feature a two-acre rooftop park and a 17-storey apartment building.
2. Warren Street: Plans were approved in November 2022 for the redevelopment of the former Sainsbury’s site in the town centre. Proposals for the residential mixed-use scheme include over 500 flats and 34 townhouses ranging between five and 15 storeys, and space for shops, cafés, a gym and a creche.
3. Merseyway Shopping Centre: The Future High Streets Fund awarded £14.5m for redevelopment of a dilapidated area of the Merseyway Shopping Centre into a 21^st century library and discovery centre. The scheme will repurpose units in Merseyway’s Adlington Walk with features such as a sensory room, performance area and a café.
4. Weir Mill: Construction started in July 2022 on a £60m redevelopment of the historic cotton mill adjacent to a viaduct arch in the town centre. The scheme includes a retrofitting of the existing 18^th century mill buildings, and new buildings, comprising over 250 homes and space for cafés, bars and shops.

With many more projects in the pipeline, Stockport is set fair to continue its renewal.

Further information

Contact Jay Patel or Alex Wylie