One Stockport Hub in former Argos store moves forward

The Council’s Central Stockport Area Committee has approved a change of use for the former Argos until in Mersey Square ahead of a planned conversion of the store to the One Stockport community hub.

Councillors made the decision to approve planning officers’ recommendation for the change of use, with a range of services now permitted to be provided from the site.

Stockport Council’s plan for the building is to establish a Hub to provide a cultural and social experience, including a library service, in the heart of the town centre for both Stockport residents and visitors.

The One Stockport Hub is be the first stage in the council’s ambition for a much larger town centre cultural and community centre. The council has already applied for £14 million in Government funding from the Future High Streets Fund to achieve this.

The Hub would be the new home to:

• local history displays from our museum collection
• a dedicated family library with adult and children’s literature to borrow and browse
• a digital zone with computers and tablets for use free of charge, as well as free Wi-Fi and space where visitors can use their own devices
• the council’s heritage material and Stockport Archives
• Stockport shop selling items currently offered in museum shops

During discussion, many councillors also stressed the importance of moving forward with the One Stockport Hub to provide free IT access locally, in particular to support young people in education in nearby parts of the town which are among Stockport’s most deprived communities.

Throughout the planning application process, concerns have also been raised regarding the future of Stockport’s Central Library, which has remained closed throughout the pandemic due to challenges in making the historic building Covid-safe.  Cllr Sheila Bailey reiterated statements made during the consultation that moving library services was a temporary measure, and that any decisions on the future of Central Library will be subject to ‘wide consultation.’

The One Stockport Hub is expected to open in early 2021.