Six years of investment bring new businesses, new homes and new visitors to Underbanks

Backed by six years of investment from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Stockport Council and a wide range of local partners and developers, the Underbanks is now enjoying one of the most significant periods of positive change seen in generations. 

As part of the Council’s wider regeneration plans — the largest town centre regeneration in the UK — the £7 million Rediscovering the Underbanks initiative has restored historic buildings, created new homes and supported the growth of independent businesses across the area. 

The Rediscovering the Underbanks project is now coming to an end in 2026, but it legacy includes buildings which have been beautifully restored, new homes, thriving independent businesses and hospitality venues, and striking murals and public art have brought the area alive.

The regeneration of the Underbanks began with projects including Where the Light Gets In, the White Lion apartments and Profolk, helping to spark the Old Town renaissance. From this first project, a series of careful restorations and developments have transformed the area, including: 

• The White Lion
• Winters   
• St Mary’s Gate, Churchgate
• 35–37 Great Underbank
• 33 Great Underbank (St Ann’s Hospice)
• 25–29 Little / Great Underbank
• 11–13 Lower Hillgate
• Former RBS building
• Coopers Brow greening project
• 3 Market Place & 7 Rostron Brow
• Public realm improvements

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

“The Underbanks has been completely transformed over the last six years. Historic buildings have been restored, new homes have brought life back to the heart of the town, and independent businesses are thriving like never before. This isn’t just a regeneration of bricks and mortar, it’s a renewal of confidence, creativity, and community in Stockport. Above all, it’s a testament to the independent community who have helped bring the Underbanks to life. 

“The Underbanks is now a shining example of what can be achieved when heritage, ambition, and local partnership come together, and it lays a strong foundation for the town centre’s future.” 

Jon Dootson, owner of Alfredo’s and The White Lion, added:

“Thanks to the success of my first two businesses in the Underbanks, I’m now opening a third. The area is thriving, with valuable support from the council and a growing network of passionate, independent business owners. There’s real energy in the area, and it’s only getting better.”

Anecdotal evidence suggests that footfall has increased significantly, especially at weekends and feedback from businesses is that footfall has doubled over the last 5 years.

With a strong foundation now in place, the Underbanks is well positioned for the future: a vibrant, creative and welcoming heart of Stockport, built to last for generations to come. 

More projects are on the way, including improvements to public spaces as funding allows, and the redevelopment of larger sites such as Robinson Brewery. Both the council and MDC will continue supporting the area, helping to shape new spaces and care for existing ones, ensuring the Underbanks remains community-focused and reflective of the area’s unique character.