Stockport MDC expands regeneration plans with parliamentary approval

Stockport’s Mayoral Development Corporation has received parliamentary approval to extend its boundary across the entire town centre, unlocking a new ambitious phase of generation with an accelerated plan to deliver new homes, jobs and spaces in SK1.

Over the next 14 years, the expanded MDC will oversee the delivery of 8,000 new town centre homes, designed to support people at all stages of life. The programme includes a mix of affordable housing, private rent and homes for sale, alongside investment in a new town centre secondary school and a modern health hub to support a growing population.

The MDC’s footprint has increased from 130 acres to 410 acres, and now includes underused sites east of the A6 corridor on the Merseyway side of the town centre. The larger boundary will support the 15 year Town Centre East Strategic Regeneration Framework, which outlines plans for three connected neighbourhoods, a new riverside park and improved walking and cycling routes linking different parts of the town.

Since being established in 2019 by Andy Burnham, the MDC has already helped deliver major schemes including the award winning Stockport Interchange, the transformation of the historic Weir Mill into homes and leisure space, and the continued growth of the Stockport Exchange business district.

The next major project is Stockport 8, a new neighbourhood close to the viaduct that will bring around 1,300 homes to the area, alongside public squares designed to unite local communities.

Cllr Mark Roberts, Leader of Stockport Council, said:
“This is a landmark moment for Stockport as we break the mould with our ambitious regeneration plans. We’ve been moving faster than prior legislation allowed, which underscores the scale of our vision for the town.

“Parliamentary approval to expand the MDC is a clear vote of confidence in what we’ve achieved so far and in our proven approach to town centre regeneration. Momentum is only building, with others now looking to our model as a blueprint for what successful town centre regeneration can achieve.

“With the boundary covering the whole town centre, we can accelerate delivery of new homes, jobs and opportunities that benefit residents across the borough. We’re incredibly proud of what’s been achieved already, and even prouder that we’re only just getting started. We’re Unstoppable Stockport.”

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said:
“Stockport has been a genuine trailblazer for the Mayoral Development Corporation model. It is showing what can be achieved when you work together with partners and use innovative powers to drive forward transformative projects and revitalise a town centre.

“With backing from Parliament to expand the MDC, Stockport is continuing to break new ground for urban regeneration. This is a blueprint for towns up and down the country to follow and it’s why this model is being rolled out to other places across Greater Manchester as well, so more areas can benefit from new homes, jobs, investment and good growth.”