We’re always happy to hear about ingenuity here in Manchester, and now plans have been revealed for a brand new, walkable and sustainable development in Stockport. After submitting a planning application for a mixed neighbourhood in Stockport, known as Stockport 8, back in December, the plans have now been approved by the local council.
The £350m plans, which were approved last night (August 14), seek to create an exciting neighbourhood to the west of Stockport town centre, located on land either side of King Street West and next to the railway viaduct, reconnecting the area to the town centre and creating a walkable, integrated community under the railway arches. The 8-acre site sits at the heart of the Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC)’s masterplan to transform the ‘Town Centre West’ (TCW) into the UK’s most sustainable, liveable town centre and is a key part of the wider £1 billion investment currently being delivered.
Stockport 8 will feature around 1,300 new homes, including build-to-rent and owner-occupier, with a range of sizes to meet the needs of different households. The development is also centred around public spaces where people can meet and relax outdoors, improving the wellbeing of residents, and with a pedestrian-only street running through the centre to encourage interaction.
With Stockport 8 close to the historic viaduct, height and design of the buildings were subjected to strict assessment by planning and conservation officers at Stockport Council and Historic England, along with two Places Matter Design Review Panels. A key design principle has been to set buildings back from the existing building line along Viaduct Street to create ‘breathing space’, providing a renewed focus on the viaduct and the opportunity to experience and appreciate it at a human scale.
Plans for Phase 1 of Stockport 8
Detailed planning consent has been granted for Phase 1 and outline consent for the remaining phases. Phase 1 of Stockport 8 will deliver:
- 435 highly energy efficient homes that are designed to achieve net zero standards
- A mixed residential neighbourhood featuring one, two, and three-bedroom homes as well as accessible and adaptable apartments.
- Substantial public realm improvements, including the creation of a new public square adjacent to the viaduct
- New pedestrian connections through the site and the provision of dedicated cycle lanes along King Street West and Viaduct Street
- Spaces for commercial and community uses at ground floor level that complement the existing town centre offering
- Biodiversity benefits including new trees, green roofs and sustainable urban drainage systems
The first phase is due to start on site in 2026 and complete in 2028, with the next phase expected to commence in 2029.
Leader of Stockport Council, Cllr Mark Roberts, said: “This isn’t about old Stockport or new Stockport – it’s about building a better Stockport for everyone. Stockport 8 is part of the UK’s largest town centre regeneration, giving us a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a place that works for families, young people and older generations alike.
“We’re proud of the work the MDC has done with partners to turn underused brownfield land into a thriving, multi-purpose neighbourhood – delivering new homes, green spaces, jobs, shops and better transport. This is about making Stockport more connected, more vibrant and more sustainable, while staying true to our One Stockport, One Future vision.
“Our ambition is simple: growth that’s fair, sustainable and lasting – not just bigger buildings, but a stronger, more connected Stockport that people are proud to call home.”
The development is being delivered by The Stockport 8 LLP – a joint venture between Stockport Council and ECF – a partnership between Homes England, L&G and Muse.