Work progresses on Stockport town centre hub for creativity, discovery and inspiration

Works is already well underway to bring creativity, discovery and inspiration to the high street in Stockport at the new Stockroom facility being developed in Merseyway Shopping Centre.

New updated hoardings around the building site are creating a buzz about what is to come at Stockroom, which will transform 135,000 sq ft of vacant retail space.

The project is part of the borough’s innovative plan to increase town centre footfall and inspire a love of learning and creativity in children and adults, as town centres across the UK struggle to recover from the decline of High Street shopping and the huge economic shock of Covid-19. The exciting plans for Stockroom were first approved in 2021, following a successful bid from Stockport Council for £14.5 million of Government ‘Future High Streets Fund’ money.

Stockroom will be a fantastic, accessible, family-friendly space in the middle of the town, designed to be welcoming for everyone. There will be room to play, to take part and to discover something new. Stockroom will feature a library service and children’s library, a high-quality cafe and bistro, and access to Stockport’s heritage and archives collection. Alongside a vibrant programme of arts, creativity and discovery; from intimate acoustic concerts to children’s theatre productions, to new interpretations of our museum collections and photography. Visitors will also have access to two large multi-use studio spaces, ‘best in class’ toilet facilities and enhanced amenities for people with a disability, direct access to over 800 car parking spaces that include designated disabled and family spaces, as well as a multifaith room. 

An exciting programme of events and activities will be curated at Stockroom after the appointment of its Creative Programme Manager.  Stockport-based socially engaged artist, photographer, collaborator and educator Gwen Riley Jones will lead on the development of the programme.

It will also build on the legacy of Stockport’s year as Greater Manchester’s Town of Culture, to celebrate the best of what Stockport has to offer. 

As the construction work is underway the focus is now on Stockroom Socials, a series of events taking place throughout the summer to provide an opportunity for the public to participate in fun activity, find out more and help shape and influence the Stockroom programme.

Cllr Frankie Singleton, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture & Sport at Stockport Council, said:

“It’s fantastic to see the project come to fruition with the appointment of Gwen and things are really beginning to take shape. Everyone should get involved with Stockroom Socials to have the chance to shape the future of the exciting new venue.”