Stockport councillors have unveiled a £2bn plan to transform the town into what they describe as 'the best place in the whole world'. The ambitious proposal, spearheaded by the Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) — a partnership between the Liberal Democrat-run council and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) — builds on a previous £1bn investment programme that has already spurred significant regeneration since 2019.
Massive Housing and Infrastructure Targets
The MDC's new business plan, presented at a cabinet meeting on June 23, sets a target of delivering 8,000 new homes by 2040, including affordable and social housing. This would more than triple the town centre's population. To date, over 1,200 homes have been built, with another 1,300 expected to start construction in 2026. The plan also includes 1 million square feet of employment space, a new school, and a new health hub.
Councillor Michaela Meikle, introducing the plan, called the MDC the council's regeneration 'jewel in the crown'. She stated: 'By the time we get to the end of this plan, [Stockport] will be the best in the whole world.' The new school, she added, is 'pushing boundaries' in educational design, aiming to provide inclusive education and improve outcomes for underserved communities.
Transport and Connectivity Upgrades
The MDC is also working on extending the Metrolink tram line from Didsbury to Stockport, a project described as 'critical to strengthening sustainable travel options'. A report to councillors noted that authorities are finalising the preferred route and developing a business case. Additionally, a draft transport policy for the borough up to 2042 will soon be open for public consultation, covering the Metrolink extension, potential new train stations, and a revamp of Stockport's main station.
Existing achievements include the award-winning Stockport Interchange, a bus terminal with a roof-top park and a walkway along the River Mersey, which opened in 2024.
Financial Challenges and Government Criticism
Despite the ambitious plans, council leader Mark Roberts acknowledged ongoing financial pressures, criticising the government for insufficient funding. Deputy leader Jilly Julian noted that recent funding changes had left Stockport 'in a worse situation than many', with an increase less than half the England average. She added: 'What might the art of the possible look like if we had sufficient funding? The benefits that would bring for our residents would be absolutely wild.'
Roberts described the plan as 'a new way of doing things' and 'a better way of doing things potentially', reiterating: 'We should be thinking of Stockport very soon as being the best place in the whole world to live.'
