The transformative journey of Stockport 8 continues, as the planning application for an ambitious mixed-use neighbourhood goes in this week. Brought forward by Stockport8 LLP, the joint venture of Stockport Council and ECF, the bold initiative is set to redefine living in the area, while honouring Stockport’s unique heritage and community spirit.
Nestled west of Stockport town centre, adjacent to the iconic railway viaduct and King Street West, the masterplan, by shedkm and Planit, is designed to reconnect the area to the heart of the town. This visionary project is central to the £500 million Stockport MDC masterplan, which aspires to make Stockport the UK’s most sustainable and liveable town centre.
At its core, Stockport 8 represents a harmonious blend of green living, community-focused spaces, and dynamic mixed-use development. The submitted plans include:
- A diverse mix of up to 1,300 high-quality, energy efficient homes aimed at every stage of life and fully connected to the surrounding communities.
- Spaces for businesses and community uses at ground floor level, which complement the existing town centre offering.
- A neighbourhood centred around new public spaces to bring the community together and provide exciting settings for people to meet, relax and enjoy.
- Improvements to the environment around the busy and vital road network that runs through this part of Stockport.
- A series of improvements to the public realm.
- Residential courtyards and areas for green roofs to the buildings, providing a home for wildlife.
- A safe environment for all, that promotes active, sustainable travel with a pedestrian-only street running through the centre of the scheme.
- Car parking, car clubs, electric vehicle charging and plenty of cycle parking, ensuring that the neighbourhood is accessible to all.
- Celebrating Stockport’s rich heritage and character including plans to reintroduce the historic street pattern and street names.
The plans are the culmination of an extensive, two-stage dialogue with local people and businesses. We’re excited to see Stockport 8 transform into a walkable and connected community that puts people and planet first.
James Spencer, associate director at shedkm, said: “Stockport 8 isn’t just about creating a great place to live – we’ve thoughtfully designed a place to thrive. It’s about combining Stockport’s industrial heritage and independent culture with innovative placemaking to deliver a sustainable neighbourhood that seamlessly integrates old and new, creating an inclusive place for all.”
Joe Stockton, senior development manager at ECF, said: “This is one of the largest town centre regeneration projects in the UK, so it’s only right that the local community has played a key role in shaping the plans. We’ve spent months talking to local people and have taken on board their views. This will be a place for everyone, a place that’s distinctly Stockport and that celebrates its strong community spirit and rich heritage. With homes for people at every stage of life and green open spaces for people to enjoy, Stockport 8 will set the benchmark for town centre living.”
The full team behind Stockport 8 is made up of Stockport MDC, ECF, shedkm, landscape architects Planit, the planning team from Deloitte, project manager Walker Sime and engagement specialist Font Comms.