Designer appointed to help shape new town centre school

Plans for a new landmark urban school as part of Stockport’s town centre regeneration have taken a step forward, with a designer appointed to develop the next stage. 

Stockport Council has appointed Sheppard Robson to progress the design work, marking a significant milestone in the bid to create a modern, accessible school that supports families living in and around the town centre. 

The project forms part of Stockport’s £2 billion town centre regeneration, which is being accelerated by Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC), bringing forward thousands of new homes, jobs, and public spaces. As the town centre grows, the new school will help ensure new and existing communities can be supported by the necessary social infrastructure.  

The school is a core commitment within One Stockport, One Future plan, reflecting the Council’s approach to regeneration that combines new homes and jobs with long?term social infrastructure, including education facilities.

Once delivered, the school would support educational outcomes for all children, giving them the best start in life while giving families a strong school choice close to home. It will also help create a more inclusive, family-friendly town centre where residents can live, learn, work and access everyday services locally.

Cllr Micheala Meikle, Cabinet Member for Economy, Regeneration and Skills, said:

“As one of the most important pieces of social infrastructure planned for Stockport town centre, the appointment to lead the next stage of design for the new town centre school is a hugely exciting and significant step forward.

“As our town centre continues to grow with new homes and new jobs, it is vital that this transformation is matched with the necessary social infrastructure. A modern, accessible school will help give children and families the support they need to thrive, offering more choice locally and helping every child to access a brilliant education close to home.

“We are looking forward to working with Sheppard Robson as we develop these plans.”

Lord Gavin Barwell, Chair of Stockport MDC, said:

“You can build new homes and employment opportunities, but unless you have social infrastructure, you’re not creating communities.

“The appointment of a design team for the new town centre school is a significant milestone in turning that ambition into reality. Alongside new homes, transport links and public spaces, the school will help create the foundations of a vibrant, family-friendly town centre where people can put down roots and thrive.

“By investing in the infrastructure that communities need, we are creating a place that is not only growing, but growing well, with opportunities and benefits that will be felt for generations to come.”

James Jones, partner at Sheppard Robson, said:

“We are delighted to be appointed to such an ambitious project, where education facilities have the opportunity to directly shape the quality and character of the town centre.

“Having worked on Stockport’s ongoing regeneration, we understand the council’s vision for creating the best for local children and neighbourhoods, and we look forward to being part of the team that brings it to life.”