Stockport’s new cultural and community venue, Stockroom, has marked a significant milestone by registering its first baby birth, as the newly launched birth registration service opens.
Parents Jen and Dan Nixon from Cheadle registered the birth of their baby, three-week-old Brianna, becoming the first family to use the new service on Thursday 10th July. They were officially welcomed by Cllr Dan Oliver, Cabinet Member for Culture at Stockport Council and Registration Officer Sophie Jones to mark the occasion.
Baby Brianna was also signed up as a library member which is offered to all new parents when they register a birth to encourage a lifetime love of books and learning.
This moment marks the start of a new chapter in how Stockport brings civic services into the heart of its community. The move is part of Stockport’s vision to bring more public services into high-footfall, accessible locations where families already spend time — blending culture, community, and civic life.
This historic moment continues a civic tradition dating back to 1 July 1837, when the very first birth was registered in the Borough of Stockport under the newly established civil registration system. Now, 188 years later, that tradition lives on in a brand-new, modern space designed for accessibility, community and creativity.
Stockroom, based at Merseyway in the heart of the town centre and home to the borough’s archives. currently offers birth registration services. Other registrar services, including births, marriage and death registrations, continue to operate from Stockport Town Hall, where they have been based since 2002.
Dan and Jen were first time visitors to Stockroom but they hope to visit again soon:
“Stockroom is in a really convenient location and it’s a lovely space. Our two-year-old son would love the children’s play area and we’ll definitely visit again soon as a family.”
Cllr Dan Oliver, said:
“It was a pleasure to welcome Jen, Dan and baby Brianna as the first birth registration at Stockroom. This space was created to bring public services and community life together, and this milestone is a wonderful example of that vision in action. Stockroom was always meant to be a place for everyone – and moments like this show why.
“Stockroom isn’t just a place to register a birth—it’s a place to return to, to play, learn, discover and connect. We’re proud that families can now start their journey here, in the heart of Stockport.”
Stockroom is a flagship part of the UK’s largest town centre regeneration. It sits alongside major investment in housing, transport, active travel, and public realm, and reinforces Stockport’s growing national reputation as a town that delivers.
Birth registrations at Stockroom are now available every Thursday by appointment, and can be booked on the Stockport Council website.
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