Stockport unveils ambitious blueprint for diverse residential enclave, initiating inaugural dialogue with neighbourhood denizens.
Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) and the English Cities Fund (ECF) have kicked off the initial community discussion on their £250 million project to create a dynamic mixed residential area to the west of Stockport town centre, currently known as Stockport 8.
The plans aim to reconnect the site to nearby neighborhoods and the town centre, breathing new life into what was once a thriving residential area beneath the railway arches. The draft masterplan and concept sketches showcase the joint venture’s early ideas for Stockport’s revitalization, envisioning a high-quality, walkable, green neighborhood that combines the best aspects of the existing site with innovative placemaking concepts. The masterplan will feature around 1,200 energy-efficient homes, catering to a mix of tenures, including affordable housing, Build to Rent (BtR), and open market sales.
In addition to the residential aspect, the masterplan also includes provisions for local businesses, start-ups, and community facilities, along with outdoor and green spaces to promote well-being. The aim is to create a connected, pedestrian-friendly neighborhood that seamlessly integrates with the wider town center and surrounding communities. The project also emphasizes environmental improvements, with a focus on low-carbon transportation and energy-efficient buildings.
A key highlight of the plan is the celebration of local heritage, as it proposes the opening up of inclusive public spaces around the iconic Stockport viaduct. These spaces could host a range of events, from markets and food festivals to live performances. The neighborhood will be fully accessible, with adequate car parking, car clubs, and ample cycle parking. Furthermore, it will embrace digital technologies and design innovation, offering fast broadband speeds as standard.
Joe Stockton, senior development manager at Muse, part of the English Cities Fund, expressed the importance of community involvement in this extensive town center regeneration project. The local community’s input will shape the plans and ensure that the neighborhood meets the needs of both current and future generations, while maintaining Stockport’s independent spirit and character.
To facilitate community engagement, various avenues for feedback and participation are available. Drop-in sessions will be held at Edgeley Park and Merseyway Shopping Centre, where the project team will be present to discuss the scheme. Additionally, an online Q&A session will take place, providing an opportunity to learn more about the plans and ask questions. Online questionnaires and freepost questionnaires in the local newsletter will also be available. Contact details for email, phone, and postal communication are provided, and social media channels are active for updates and engagement.
A second community conversation is scheduled for the summer, followed by a planning application submission to Stockport Council in the autumn.
The Stockport 8 development site is a central component of the wider £1 billion investment in Stockport town center. It is a key element of the £500 million Stockport MDC masterplan, which aims to transform Stockport into the most sustainable and livable town center in the region over the next decade. The 130-acre masterplan includes the delivery of 4,000 new homes, along with amenities, green spaces, workspace, and significant transportation improvements.
The project team comprises Stockport MDC, The English Cities Fund, shedkm as architects, Planit as landscape architects, Deloitte’s planning team, and Walker Sime as project managers.
