Eight developments are set to see major progress this year as Stockport's town centre regeneration continues, with the council aiming to deliver 8,000 new homes over the next 14 years. The Liberal Democrat administration describes the borough as 'unstoppable'.
Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation Expanded
Earlier this year, the Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC), which has driven the borough's 'gold rush', was expanded to cover the entire town centre. It will help deliver new homes, businesses, a secondary school, and a modern health hub. Council leader Mark Roberts said: 'Momentum is only building, with others now looking to our model as a blueprint for what successful town centre regeneration can achieve.'
Marple Community Hub
Outside the MDC area, the £20m Marple Community Hub, funded by the UK Government and Sports England, will bring together modern health, leisure, and library facilities. Brickwork is complete, scaffolding removed, and cladding installation underway. The swimming pool is taking shape with tiling in progress. Improvements to Marple Memorial Park include a pump track, agility trail, and woodland paths.
Stockport 8
Stockport 8 is described as 'one of the UK's largest town centre regeneration projects', transforming an eight-acre site into a 1,300-home neighbourhood. The £350m development is part of the town's £2bn regeneration. The first phase of 435 homes is set to begin construction this year. The MDC says it will 'create a distinctive, sustainable neighbourhood shaped by the town's heritage and future ambitions'.
Stopford Park
Stopford Park will deliver 442 homes on the former Stockport College campus, combining new homes with an Art Park featuring local artists' installations. The Grade II-listed former Arts College will become a co-working space. The Torkington building is being converted into 122 rental homes, while the Lyme will become a 16-storey building with 258 apartments. 62 new homes in Bosden are set for completion in 2026.
Hatters Yard
The £41m Hatters Yard development, delivered by Stockport Council, MDC, and Homes England, will provide 148 affordable apartments. The scheme includes a green pedestrian connection to the River Mersey. The MDC says it will 'open up new connections and bring life back to this part of Chestergate'.
Victoria House
The £70m Fletcher Street development will transform the derelict Victoria House site into 245 adaptable homes, including 12 townhouses. Built to Passivhaus low energy standards, the project is led by Progressive Living in partnership with Picture This. The partnership said: 'It will help reconnect the area and support Stockport's wider ambitions for a thriving, walkable urban neighbourhood.'
St Thomas' Gardens
This project will convert the long-derelict Grade II-listed former hospital site, vacant for over 15 years, into an all-age residential community with 68 affordable homes and an 82-bed intermediate care facility. It is set to be completed in 2026.
Weir Mill
Developer Capital&Centric is delivering 253 riverside homes in old cotton mills, with plans for courtyards, outdoor squares, and independent bars and restaurants. The MDC says: 'The scheme breathes new life into one of Stockport's oldest mills while creating a destination that feels contemporary and distinctly local.'
Mersey Square
Plans aim to transform the area between Stockport Interchange and Merseyway Shopping Centre into a greener, safer public space with a play area in the Bear Pit. Cabinet Member Micheala Meikle said: 'The Bear Pit is a landmark that means so much to our community, and this transformation will honour that heritage while creating a vibrant, modern space.'
