Development: An artist’s impression shows what the new neighbourhood could look like
PEOPLE in Stockport have been given a first look at plans to create a vibrant new £250million neighbourhood that will help transform the town.
They are now being asked to give their views on the vision for the mixed-residential development to the west of the 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 behind the development’s early thoughts. They outline a high quality, walkable, green neighbourhood.
The masterplan features up to 1,200 high-quality, energy efficient homes and new spaces for businesses, start-ups and community facilities.
Outdoor and green spaces will promote health and wellbeing in a “connected, walkable neighbourhood” integrated into the wider town centre and surrounding communities.
The development will also be a celebration of local heritage, 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.
The project has been conceived by Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) and the English Cities Fund (ECF) – a joint venture between Homes England, Muse and Legal & General.
Joe Stockton, senior development manager at Muse, 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.”
As part of the first community conversation on the emerging vision and draft masterplan, there are plenty of ways for people to take part and provide feedback.
Drop-in sessions will be held on Thursday February 1, 3pm-7pm at Edgeley Park and on Saturday February 3, 10am-3pm at Merseyway Shopping Centre, outside Specsavers, with the project team on hand to discuss the scheme.
People can also sign up for an online Q&A at www.Stockport8.co.uk on Tuesday February 6, 6.30pm-7.30pm where they can learn more about the plans and ask the project team questions.
There will be an online questionnaire at www.Stockport8.co.uk and the chance to fill in a freepost questionnaire in a newsletter being delivered locally in February.
A second community conversation is planned in the summer with submission of a planning application to Stockport Council expected in the autumn.
The Stockport 8 site is central to the wider £1billion investment currently being delivered across the town centre and is at the heart of the £500m Stockport MDC masterplan.
The 130-acre Stockport MDC masterplan will see the delivery of 4,000 new homes, alongside local amenities, green spaces, new workspace and radical transport improvements.