Stockport MDC intends to triple in size and double housing ambitions, as team celebrates five years

Stockport’s ambitious regeneration plans look to scale new heights as Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) announces intentions to expand its boundary threefold to include the 280-acre Town Centre East site.  

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, confirmed the Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s support for the expansion of the MDC’s boundary, as Stockport Council Leader Cllr Mark Hunter announced that the move will deliver a total of 8,000 new homes across the town centre—double the original target—over the next 15 years. The milestone comes as the MDC celebrates five years of transformative progress. 

Set up in 2019, the MDC’s powers initially spanned the 130-acre brownfield masterplan dubbed Town Centre West. Now, the MDC will expand its scope to include the redevelopment of the 280-acre site ‘Town Centre East’ in line with Stockport Council’s ambitions to transform the town into the most liveable and sustainable in the UK.  

In just five years, Stockport MDC has made significant strides in transforming Town Centre West, with 1,200 new homes either complete or on site and £600 million in private investment secured during the first phase. Key achievements include the completion of the state-of-the-art Stockport Interchange with its two-acre park, 170,000 sq ft of Grade A office space at Stockport Exchange, and the transformation of the historic Weir Mill into a vibrant new neighbourhood, featuring apartments, green spaces, and areas for independent retail and leisure. 

With the next phase of development well underway, in partnership with English Cities Fund, the MDC’s Town Centre West is set to deliver a further 1,200 homes alongside retail, leisure, and office space at Stockport 8.  

These projects highlight not just impressive numbers, but also the MDC’s commitment to quality, from restoring the historic Weir Mill to pioneering engineering at the Interchange.

Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation continues to drive Stockport’s growth as part of the wider regeneration programme led by the Council, which has seen Stockport receive accolades such as being ‘ the best place to live in the North West’ (Sunday Times), one of the ‘12 best places in the UK to retire’ (Which?) or ‘to buy your first home’ (The Times) as well as one of the best 25 places to shop, in recognition of the historic Underbanks area (The Telegraph). 

Following an extensive and very well-subscribed procurement process, CBRE has been appointed to produce the Strategic Regeneration Framework (SRF) for Town Centre East, delivering a strategy and plan for transforming the area. 

Speaking on the ambitions to expand the MDC and building on the MDCs economic impact and future investment, Greater Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham, said: 

“The MDC’s first five years have shown the power of putting place before politics.  

“Before we created this regeneration vehicle, I couldn’t have imagined such progress was possible in such a short space of time. As such, I am proud of the progress made to date and of supporting Stockport Council in its ambition to triple the MDC’s boundary.   

“The MDC, council, and partners have brought lasting change, transforming areas like Weir Mill and the Interchange—projects that honour Stockport’s heritage while building its future. There’s no stopping Stockport, and I’m confident its progress will set the standard for great town regeneration across Greater Manchester and the UK.” 

Cllr Mark Hunter, Leader of Stockport Council, added: 

“As we mark five years of the Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC), it’s evident how much it has shaped the transformation of our town. Stockport is already one of the best places to live in the UK, but by expanding the MDC’s boundary to include Town Centre East, we will be a step closer to making Stockport even better.?Our ambition is clear to see; with a vibrant town centre, a revitalised high street and good quality new homes, it’s not surprising we were named the best place to live in the north west by the Sunday Times.     

“This expansion will allow us to speed up the delivery of much-needed homes and build on the incredible progress we’ve already seen in Town Centre West. It will also give us an even more robust platform to provide much-needed social infrastructure to support the existing and new communities living in the town centre.  

“We’ve shown what’s possible when local government, communities, and businesses join forces. With the MDC and CBRE working on the regeneration plans for Town Centre East, we’re more confident than ever in our ability to deliver 8,000 new homes across the town centre and create a Stockport that stands out as a leader in town centre living—benefiting everyone who lives, works, or visits here.  

“Our One Future vision is at the heart of this, delivering for our residents and demonstrating our commitment to improving the quality of life for everyone in Stockport, now and in the future.”    

Eamon Boylan, interim Chair of Stockport MDC, said: 

“The progress of Town Centre West since 2019 has demonstrated the value of Stockport MDC as a vehicle for delivering tangible and ambitious town centre regeneration.  

“From securing £600m in private investment to enabling the delivery of 1,200 new homes, a state-of-the-art transport interchange, 170,000 sq ft of Grade A office space, and the creation of a two-acre park, the MDC has significantly contributed to Stockport Council’s wider £1bn transformation of the town. But the MDC’s success goes beyond buildings and spaces – it has created real opportunities for our local community and businesses.  

“Reflecting on the success so far, the MDC would like to thank our partners for their commitment to our vision for Stockport and as we prepare to continue harnessing the power of collaboration to support the Council’s ambitions for Stockport’s regeneration.” 

A range of MDC-led developments are due to complete in the near future. By the end of 2024, construction will have started at the Academy of Living Well at St Thomas’ Hospital, an intergenerational residential scheme with a care facility at its heart. Weir Mill in Town Centre West is on track to complete in 2025, delivering 253 new homes alongside fantastic new outdoor spaces with a mix of independent bars, restaurants and shops to make the scheme a standout riverside destination. And Platform, a Great Places development delivering 73 new affordable homes will also complete in 2025.