Stockport Council’s Corporate Director for Place has unveiled revised plans that will see Merseyway Shopping Centre at the heart of the regeneration of the town centre.
Although work on the redevelopment plans were originally given approval for go-ahead in December 2017, more significant changes within the retail sector called for a further review of Merseyway which can no longer be solely centred around retail in the current market.
The council’s vision is to include a diversification of uses to include work space, leisure, amenities and residential to support not only Merseyway but the wider Town Centre and Town Centre Living. The focus of the strategy is to:
- attract more families by improving the family offer
- better link all areas of the town centre
- improve the look
- create a vibrant and diverse offer throughout the year
- stabilise existing and attract new retailers
Work to attract shared office providers, new food and drink operators, soft play and other leisure providers is on-going and it is anticipated will help to change perceptions of the centre and draw new footfall to the centre and wider town centre.
Key Projects
Redevelopment of former Next block – the proposal is to split the unit into four separate spaces.
Acquisition of the former BHS building – due diligence is underway and is expected to be competed early in 2019
Mersey Square – improving the aesthetics to include cleaning, pop-up green spaces
Improved frontages
New amenities – new toilet block with changing facilities, a customer lounge, a Merseyway help-desk/reception, children’s play area and other complementary uses clustered in Adlington Walk.
Improved access for pedestrians and vehicles
Improved linkage between Merseyway and Redrock
The 2019 strategy will continue the family orientated strategy, with the launch of “THE SPACE”; a pop up space for events and temporary operators. The strategy also includes a “52 weeks” event plan which will see an event or activity delivered every week of 2019, which will link with The Light and Universal to deliver film themed events. This work will align with the redevelopment strategy and involve negotiating with tenants as part of the early phases.
The Cabinet at Stockport Council will be asked to support the strategy at a meeting of the Economy and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee on Thursday 1st November. Read the report HERE
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