Merseyway Innovation Centre nears full capacity in under two years

Stockport’s innovation economy is gathering pace, as Merseyway Innovation Centre (MIC) hits 97% occupancy less than two years after opening.

The landmark figure cements MIC’s position as one of Greater Manchester’s most successful new business hubs, with more than 25 fast-growing start-ups and established firms now calling the centre home, and many more using its co-working and meeting spaces.

Over the past six months, MIC has welcomed a range of new tenants, further diversifying the mix of innovative businesses. These include the UK’s regulator and professional association for Sport Rehabilitators, the British Association of Sport Rehabilitators and Athletic Therapists Ltd (BASRaT), Litmus Sustainability, a consultancy dedicated to delivering practical solutions for a sustainable future and Gannon Works, a dynamic architectural practice bringing creative design to residential projects.

Designed to support the expanding digital, creative and innovative sectors in Stockport, MIC offers flexible accommodation including co-working space, shared offices and individual units ranging from 100 sq ft to 570 sq ft. It also features a 1000 sq ft business lounge and a breakout area complete with coffee stations, refreshment facilities and two high-quality meeting rooms, alongside bike storage and gigabit-capable broadband. As well as a fully managed service, occupiers also benefit from wraparound innovation and business support through its on-site Innovation Director.

MIC is part of Merseyway’s wider redevelopment, which recently saw the highly successful launch of Stockroom, Stockport’s new creative and cultural hub which welcomed over 100,000 visitors in its first month. At the same time, Merseyway recorded its busiest week of 2025 so far, reflecting the town centre’s growing appeal.

Rob Kates, Centre Manager at MIC, said:

“Reaching 97% occupancy is a clear testament to the strong demand for office space with that added extra in Stockport. What sets Merseyway Innovation Centre apart is its comprehensive business support and genuine sense of community – something truly unique in the town. But the job isn’t done. Growth means that as established businesses move on, new ones are ready to take their place.”

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

“The success of Merseyway Innovation Centre is a fantastic reflection of Stockport’s growing reputation as a hub for creativity, enterprise and innovation. But MIC’s success isn’t happening in isolation – it’s part of a much bigger story. The opening of Stockroom, record visitor numbers and a town centre regeneration with real purpose are all working in tandem. We’re creating the conditions for businesses to thrive and building an innovation economy that sits confidently alongside retail, culture public spaces.”

Ed White, Co-founder and Director of EK Automation Systems, came across Merseyway Innovation Centre when looking for a new northern hub for their business, Ed said:

“We needed an office that would meet our demands as a software and tech company and the MIC ticks all the boxes. It’s modern, has state of the art connectivity, and has fantastic transport links. The team are incredible and nothing is too much to ask.”

Victoria Nichol, Merseyway Centre Manager, added:

“The success of Merseyway Innovation Centre highlights the evolving nature of Merseyway and its role at the heart of a dynamic and diverse town centre. Alongside high street favourites and exciting new arrivals later this year like Søstrene Grene, we’re proud to offer a truly unique mix of retail, creative spaces and entrepreneurial hubs that reflect the ambition and character of Stockport. The growth of MIC is not just a milestone for the centre itself but a symbol of the wider transformation taking place here in Stockport.”

Merseyway 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.

MIC forms part of Stockport Council’s portfolio of Innovation Centres in Stockport, known as ‘Innovate Stockport’ which includes Stockport Business & Innovation Centre at Broadstone Mill and Merchants House in the Market Place. It was enabled through funding from Stockport Council, the EU’s Regional Development Fund, UK Shared Prosperity Funding and the Department for Culture, Media & Sport’s Cultural Development Fund, managed by Arts Council England.