Three exciting new projects have been given the go ahead by Stockport’s Town Team. Funding has been granted to Stockport Plaza towards a new digital projector and to the National Market Traders Federation and Stockport Historic Quarter Forum for Christmas-themed events.
The three projects were selected by the Town Team Committee and then put to the wider Town Team to vote on.
The Town Team Committee is encouraging anyone with a good idea to improve Stockport town centre to put in a bid as soon as possible, while there is still funding available.
A £20,000 grant has been offered to Stockport Plaza towards permanently installing a digital projector. This will enable the Plaza to show independent films, operas and ballet, work alongside community groups to develop a cinema and arts programme, attract more events and develop and improve conference facilities. The objectives are to attract wider audiences to the Plaza and increase footfall in and around the town centre.
£4,300 was awarded to the National Market Traders Federation Stockport Branch for a special Christmas Market event on Sunday 23 December. This family event will offer ice skating, pony rides, music, activities and a staged area for community events. The objectives are to increase footfall and attract new visitors to Stockport Market.
£1,500 has been granted to the Stockport Historic Quarter Forum for the ‘What the Dickens’ Christmas event. This family event, to be held on Saturday 8 December, is a celebration of Charles Dickens’ 250th anniversary year with events and activities throughout Hillgate, Underbanks and the Market Place. The objectives are to raise the profile of Stockport’s traders, retailers, tourist venues and local heritage, increase footfall and make Stockport stand out from the surrounding areas.
Ted Doan, General Manager of Stockport Plaza, said: “This is great news for the Plaza. Being awarded a £20,000 grant from the Town Team means that our exciting and diverse film programme can be developed to include independent film exhibitions and satellite broadcasts from the National Theatre, Glyndebourne opera house and ballet companies from across the world. It will not only increase footfall, but allow us to add value to the local community by supporting local film festivals and promoting local services on screen.”
President of the National Market Traders Federation Stockport branch, John O’ Mara, added: “I’m delighted that the market traders’ Christmas event on 23 December has won this funding. It means that we can put on an extra special event with lots of fun activities for all the family. We’re passionate about Stockport Market and through this event we want to spread the word and encourage people from far and wide to visit Stockport.”
Jo Lovell, Chair of Stockport Historic Quarter Forum, commented: “The members of the Stockport Historic Quarter Forum have worked really hard to organise our ‘What the Dickens’ shopping event. We would like to thank everyone who has contributed so much time and energy to the project. I’m really excited by the enthusiasm and energy the Historic Quarter Forum has brought to Stockport’s many hidden gems. The funding and support from the Town Team is the cherry on the cake. It will enable us to promote the event and get even more people to visit Stockport town centre – it’s going to be a great day.”
Bids for funding will initially be submitted to the Town Team Committee for consideration and selection, before being circulated to the wider Town Team to vote on.
Application packs are available to download from www.stockport.gov.uk/portaspilot
For more information or to join the Town Team, email towndistrictcentres@stockport.gov.uk
Join the conversation on Twitter using #SKportaspilot and on Facebook by joining the Stockport Town Team group www.facebook.com/groups/217579645037778/