Survey launched to understand impact of Underbanks renewal project

Stockport Council has launched a survey to help understand the impact of its Rediscovering the Underbanks project as it draws to a close.

Rediscovering the Underbanks is a £7 million Stockport Council initiative, bolstered by a further £1.8 million via a Townscape Heritage Lottery bid, revitalising the historic area of Stockport town centre through heritage restoration, attracted new businesses and supported business growth. 

The area boasts significant history, including the oldest courthouse in Stockport. The project’s aim was to transform the Underbanks into a “must-visit” destination, bringing new life to this historic part of the town centre. Focused on Great and Little Underbank, the project has been instrumental in creating a vibrant destination with improved, safer pedestrian areas, restored historic building facades, attracted new independent shops, and enhanced the area’s distinct character. 

Rediscovering the Underbanks has been involved in restoration of a number of historic buildings in the town centre to bring them back into use, such as the Winter’s building, now the Alfredo’s Social pizzeria, as well as improvements to street furniture.

With the project drawing to a close, Stockport Council would like to hear from local residents and visitors to the town centre to get views on the area, and find out more about people’s knowledge and understanding of the Underbanks.

All survey respondents will be entered into a prize draw to win a fantastic framed print by local artist Eamonn Murphy that depicts the Underbanks area.

The survey closes at 11:45pm on Thursday 26 February 2026 and can be comlpleted via the Stockport Council website.