Our Sustainable Future case study: Stockport 8, Manchester

Creating one of the most liveable places in Greater Manchester

Stockport 8 is set to become one of the most exciting new neighbourhoods in the UK.

It’s a £350m investment, being delivered in partnership between ECF – our partnership with Legal & General and Homes England – and the Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC).

MDC is a radical new approach to regeneration. It’s an innovative partnership which brings together the powers of the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Stockport Council, and Homes England.

The objective is to deliver an ambitious £1 billion vision for Stockport’s town centre. It’s a plan which will transform the town.

Over the next 15 years, MDC expects to regenerate 130 acres to the west of Stockport town centre – known as Town Centre West – delivering up to 4,000 new homes, jobs, and infrastructure.

Our aim, at Stockport 8, is to deliver up to 1,300 of these homes, along with workspaces, retail, connectivity improvements, and public spaces.

Energy efficient homes, designed for all stages of life, will support a vibrant and diverse new neighbourhood. Residential courtyards and areas for green roofs will encourage biodiversity and nature. Sustainable transport options – from car clubs, to cycling – will promote healthier travel.

A new public square, which can host markets and live events, will attract visitors in the evenings and weekends. It will be a space for the community to shape and enjoy.

Our approach will help realise Stockport’s ambition to be the most liveable place in Greater Manchester. A place which draws people to live and visit from across the region, even across the UK.

It’s the next chapter in the story of Stockport’s revival and an exciting keystone in the bigger plan.

The opportunity at Stockport 8 benefits from the neighbouring Stockport Interchange. The partnership between MDC and Transport for Greater Manchester will unlock a new urban park, as well as enhance connectivity.

It also benefits from Stockport’s industrial past. Adjacent to Stockport’s iconic railway viaduct, the historic arches will be incorporated into the new neighbourhood – re-connecting the community with its past. There are also plans to re-introduce the historic street pattern and street names.

A green spine will also be included. Running through the heart of the masterplan it will connect the new public square and children’s play area, adjacent to the local primary school.

Established and new communities will be able to walk safely and securely to meet friends, family, or simply play. It will be a family friendly environment where everyone feels comfortable.

We have met and listened to hundreds of local people as part of a series of Community Conversations, as we have shaped our vision.

We ran community pop-ups, workshops, and four full-day primary school workshops. We even held a three-day youth programme for secondary and college students.

We heard of support for green and outdoor spaces, along with a mix of new homes to suit everyone. People wanted more activities, facilities, and support for the community – including the way people travel and access the area.

We also heard clearly the importance of Stockport’s heritage, culture, and creativity and the need to celebrate and enhance it. We hope and trust that our plans have delivered.

As a key part of the MDC, we also understand we are contributing to something bigger. A grand plan which will deliver generational change. We take our role seriously and will deliver at pace.

We are committed to ensure Our Sustainable Future is embedded throughout Stockport 8. We will be monitoring and reporting our progress throughout the project life cycle and in future reports.