Work begins on transformation of Stockport’s derelict Grade II listed hospital

Stockport’s ambitious journey to becoming one of the UKs most sustainable and liveable towns has taken a major step forward, as work begins on transforming an historic hospital into a multi-generational residential community in the heart of the town centre: St Thomas Gardens.

After over 15 years of dereliction, this redevelopment project will breathe life back into the Grade II listed St Thomas’ Hospital site, repurposing it to deliver 68 new affordable homes alongside an 82-bed care facility.

With 1 in 4 locals aged 60 plus, this development is an important milestone in realising the MDC’s vision of setting a new benchmark for town centre living. By integrating housing, health, and community services, Stockport’s first multi-generational approach to housing will support the healthy, happy lives of residents by creating a dynamic living space for all ages.

As Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation’s (MDC) masterplan for the regeneration of Town Centre West continues, St Thomas Gardens plays a critical role as the MDC progresses on its commitment to deliver 4,000 homes over 15 years of all types and tenures for Stockport residents at all life stages.

The 82-bed care facility, delivered by Stockport Council and Greater Manchester Combined Authority, will be an integral part of Stockport Council’s vision for integrated health and social care. The Community of Living Well is central to the development, one of Greater Manchester’s first intermediate care and Dementia facilities. Designed to help residents regain independence, the facility is a cornerstone of Stockport’s One Stockport, One Future approach, prioritising happy, healthy living and innovative care within a connected community.  

Cllr Mark Hunter, Leader of Stockport Council, said:

“We’re creating a space where people can live happy, healthy lives, connected with the people and places that matter to them. Stockport is the fastest-ageing borough in Greater Manchester, so building homes and neighbourhoods for all ages is a vital part of our One Stockport, One Future ambition and £1bn town centre transformation.

“As recognised by the Sunday Times as one of the best places to live in the North West, we want to ensure this remains true for all our residents.”

Stockport Council aims to bolster relationships between health and care organisations and bring otherwise individual services together, such as community organisations, right through to the hospital, creating a joined-up health and care system where people can connect and feel supported as close to home as possible.

Cllr Keith Holloway, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care at Stockport Council, said:

“St Thomas Gardens is a vital step in ensuring our borough supports residents’ health and wellbeing. We want our neighbourhoods to offer the best healthcare and social spaces, where people feel connected and supported to services where they need them.”

In line with the MDC’s commitments to minimising carbon emissions to deliver one of the most sustainable town centres in the UK, the retrofitting of the original 19th-century building will see the workhouse and infirmary buildings preserved and the number of carbon emissions produced during construction kept to a minimum.

Cllr Colin MacAlister, Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration at Stockport Council, said:

“We’re proud to breathe new life into these Grade II listed buildings for future generations to come. This transformation of St Thomas’ Hospital into St Thomas’ Gardens is an important part in our regeneration journey and will bring even more affordable homes for our residents.”

Stockport Homes will also bring forward much-needed affordable homes at St Thomas’ Gardens, which will breathe new life into some of the borough’s most important Grade II listed heritage buildings. The scheme will deliver 67 affordable new homes, including 54 apartments and 13 new-build townhouses, predominantly 1,2 and 3-bed properties. The homes will offer a mix of shared ownership and social rent.

Eamonn Boylan, interim Chair of Stockport MDC, said:

“The MDC’s guiding principles – community, innovation and sustainability – were the motivation for this exemplar intergenerational scheme. It’s not only been a huge success to see such a historic part of Stockport retained for future generations, but with an important idea at its heart: that each generation can learn from and support one another in a mutually beneficial way.”

As the NHS continues to feel the pressures of increasing need for support, the Community for Living Well will seek to alleviate some of this by supporting those transitioning between hospital and home, ensuring people can remain as independent as possible and speed up the number of beds available for others in need.

Karen James OBE, Chief Executive for Stockport NHS Foundation Trust, said:

“It is excellent to see the site of what was once a hospital being repurposed in a way which will once again support the health and wellbeing of people in Stockport. We are very pleased to support Stockport Council and Greater Manchester Combined Authority in this innovative project which will bring housing, health and regeneration together, and it is great to see the work underway.”