Stockport has retained its prestigious Purple Flag Accreditation, which recognises the town’s commitment to a dynamic, secure, and vibrant evening and night time economy.
award highlights Stockport’s strong blend of entertainment, dining and culture, while ensuring the safety and wellbeing of residents and visitors throughout the evening. Retaining Purple Flag status further reinforces Stockport’s growing reputation as a fantastic destination after dark.
Key successes in Stockport’s submission include the newly opened Stockroom, which has generated significant footfall – on average 100,000 visits a month, and is delivering a strong and diverse programme of events; sustained work to create a positive narrative for the town and cultivate a modern, exciting image; and the launch of LSAVI, a nationally recognised assessment and training programme that helps licensed venues improve safety, security and vulnerability awareness for staff and customers, with several venues already trained and more currently completing certification. These initiatives are further supported by the introduction of new quarterly briefings for hospitality businesses.
Through strong collaboration between the council, local businesses, community organisations and partners, Stockport continues to build a well-managed, welcoming town centre where people can confidently live, work and socialise.
Cllr Micheala Meikle, Cabinet Member for Economy, Regeneration and Skills, said:
“Retaining Purple Flag accreditation is a real achievement for Stockport and reflects the collective effort to create a town centre that is safe, welcoming and full of life after dark.
“From new venues and events to initiatives like LSAVI and ongoing partnership working, this recognition highlights the positive steps being taken to strengthen Stockport’s evening and night-time economy.”
Rhys Owen, Chair of Stockport BID, said:
“It’s fantastic news to see Stockport continue to hold The Purple Flag status. It’s down to the accomplishments of the town centres night time economy businesses and key stakeholders that the town has been able to retain it.
“The Purple Flag award highlights how partnership working has helped transform Stockport into a town that not only welcomes visitors but ensures they have a safe and enjoyable experience.
“Totally Stockport BID is actively seeking ways to support and assist town centre hospitality businesses in ways that further enhance the town centre experience and to help continue our Purple Flag status.”
GMP’s Inspector Jason Holmwood said:
“Retaining the Purple Flag accreditation is a testament to the continued partnership between GMP, Stockport Council and local businesses. We have worked tirelessly to ensure Stockport remains a safe and welcoming place for residents and visitors. Both the Safe4Summer and Winter of Action campaigns set by the home office to focus activity in town centres have been a real success in Stockport. We will continue working closely with all partners to maintain the high standards that have led to this achievement.”
Purple Flag accredited areas typically experience increased footfall and reduced crime levels within their evening and night-time economy. The programme is managed by the Association of Town and City Management (ATCM) and is supported by government, police and business partners.
In the last 12 months alone,10 new bars, restaurants and cultural venues have opened, footfall in the town centre is rising, and monthly events like Foodie Friday are drawing thousands, putting Stockport firmly on the map as one of Greater Manchester’s most interesting evening destinations, powered by independents, history and a renewed sense of local pride.
Stockport has also been crowned Foodie Neighbourhood of the Year at the recent Manchester Food and Drink Awards, as well as one of 14 best places to visit across the UK by Time Out.
The town was first awarded Purple Flag status in 2019 and has successfully retained the accreditation every year since, demonstrating its continued commitment to excellence in the evening and night-time economy. Purple Flag aims to raise the standard and broaden the appeal of town and city centres between the hours of 5pm and 5am.
Photo: From L to R: Ted Doan, Stockport Plaza Manager; Cllr Micheala Meikle; Inspector Jason Holmwood; and Rhys Owen.
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