Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) and the English Cities Fund (ECF) – a joint venture between Homes England, Muse and Legal & General – have launched the first community conversation on the £250million plans to create an exciting mixed residential neighbourhood to the west of Stockport town centre, currently known as Stockport 8.

Located on land either side of King Street West and next to the railway viaduct, the plans will reconnect the site to nearby neighbourhoods and the town centre, bringing life back to what was once a thriving residential neighbourhood under the railway arches.

The draft masterplan and concept sketches show the joint venture’s early thoughts for the next chapter in the story of Stockport’s revival. They outline a high quality, walkable, green neighbourhood, combining all of the best attributes of the existing place with innovative placemaking ideas to deliver a vibrant new part of town for the people of Stockport. It is envisaged the masterplan will include a mix of tenures including affordable homes, Build to Rent (BtR) and open market sale, which provide a number of investment opportunities. The masterplan features:

  • Up to 1,200 high-quality, energy efficient homes for the people of Stockport that will bring existing and new communities together.
  • New spaces for local businesses, start-ups and community facilities which complement the existing town centre offering.
  • Outdoor and green spaces to promote health and wellbeing.
  • A connected, walkable neighbourhood that is integrated into the wider town centre and surrounding communities.
  • Improvements to the environment with a low car neighbourhood and energy efficient buildings.
  • A celebration of local heritage by opening up and creating inclusive public spaces around the iconic Stockport viaduct that can host a range of events, including markets, food festivals and live events.
  • A fully accessible neighbourhood with car parking, car clubs and plenty of cycle parking.
  • A place that embraces digital technologies and design innovation with great broadband speeds as standard.

Joe Stockton, senior development manager at Muse (part of the English Cities Fund), said: “This is one of the largest town centre regeneration projects in the UK and it’s only right that the local community is at the heart of what we do. We’re excited to find out what local people and businesses want to see in the area to help us shape the plans and ensure there is something for everyone. We want to design a thriving, inclusive neighbourhood that will deliver the needs of the community now, and for generations to come, and that has Stockport’s independent spirit and character at its core.”