Merseyway Shopping Centre celebrates successful 2024

With footfall expected to surpass 7 million visitors by the end of the year, Stockport’s Merseyway Shopping Centre is reflecting on a successful 2024.

Throughout the year, the town centre shopping precinct has welcomed three new major retailers, Tesco, Poundland and Eyehut, as well as seen the relocation of sportwear specialist, JD, to a larger unit. Three additional new tenants are set to be announced in the new year.

The centre has also successfully renewed or extended the leases of 13 tenants, retaining key brands including OFFICE, The Perfume Shop, Pandora, HMV and Beaverbrooks. These renewals underline the centre’s ongoing commitment to delivering a first-class shopping experience with some of the UK’s most popular high street retailers.

Merseyway’s The Pop-Up Shop, which provides local independent businesses with the opportunity to test the high street for one to six weeks in a contemporary space at the centre at low-cost, has also seen a remarkable increase in demand. Bookings for 2024 increased by 23% compared to 2023, reflecting the centre’s growing popularity among independent businesses and entrepreneurs seeking a vibrant and engaging retail space.

The centre’s success extends beyond retail, having hosted in excess of 20 different events throughout the year, driving both footfall and spend. Highlights include the centre’s Summer of Sport activities, free beach Merseybay, Hallowgreen and its ever-popular Christmas activities, including the Giving Tree initiative and a Christmas Express Depot experience enabling children to train as elves and meet Santa. Merseyway was also a key partner in Stockport’s Town of Culture Weekender in March and the annual Stockport’s Spectacular Sunday last month which saw footfall increase by 80% compared to an average Sunday.

Public art with purpose was also a key highlight for the centre in 2024 when Merseyway became home to the UK’s largest recycled bottle top mural, demonstrating its commitment to promoting sustainable practices. The 18m x 4m artwork featuring 80,000 plastic lids to highlight plastic waste was masterminded by local artist Caitlin Atherton, co-owner of local recycling community benefit society, Plastic Shed, one of a number of social enterprises based at the centre.

Stockport Council’s ambitious vision for the town centre has seen new developments including STOK and the Merseyway Innovation Centre thrive during 2024, with increased occupancy at both schemes which offer ultra-modern, flexible office space at the centre.

Spring 2025 will see the launch of the much-anticipated Stockroom at Merseyway. Transforming 135,000 sq ft of vacant retail unit space, Stockroom will provide an exciting cultural and creative hub, featuring a modern library, cafe and dynamic event spaces designed to bring people together.

The redevelopment at Merseyway is part of Stockport’s ambitious £1 billion regeneration plans, with the centre playing a central role in transforming the town centre into a vibrant and thriving destination for residents, businesses, and visitors alike. Recent improvements to Merseyway’s public spaces, including enhanced seating areas and landscaping, have further elevated the centre as the perfect place to shop, relax, and enjoy all that Stockport has to offer.

Cllr Colin MacAlister, Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration at Stockport Council, said:

“Merseyway exemplifies what’s possible with the right mix of investment and vision, and demonstrates how shopping centres can evolve beyond traditional retail and become hubs for creativity and innovation.

“Projects like the Merseyway Innovation Centre and the upcoming Stockroom highlight our forward-thinking approach to town centre regeneration. These initiatives, along with community-focused and cultural events are transforming Stockport into a destination where people want to visit, work, and live.

“The continued attraction of nationally renowned retailers, even during challenging economic times, speaks volumes about Stockport’s positive momentum. Merseyway is central to this resurgence, reflecting our ‘One Stockport, One Future’ vision of a vibrant, modern destination where residents can enjoy a happy and healthy life.”

Victoria Nichol, Merseyway Centre Manager said:

“This year has been a resounding success for Merseyway. The support from both tenants and visitors has been fantastic, and we are proud to play a central role in Stockport’s regeneration. With new tenants, exciting events, and transformational projects including Stockroom, we are looking forward to an even bigger and better year ahead.”