Community Conversation Feedback
Stockport, we asked, and you delivered!
Thanks to everyone who took part in the first community conversation to develop plans for a new mixed-use neighbourhood in Stockport Town Centre.
Over 300 local residents completed our feedback questionnaires, and it was great to meet many of you face-to-face during our community drop in events at Edgeley Park and Merseyway Shopping Centre.
With the first community conversation now closed, we wanted to share some of the great feedback, ideas and suggestions we received, which are now playing a key role in supporting the ongoing design and master planning process.
Here’s some of the main things you told us:
Retail/commercial space
When asked about retail and commercial space, it was clear that people wanted more diverse, high-quality shops, particularly independents like in The Underbanks. There was also a sense of nostalgia around reviving communal spaces like the old market, not only for shopping but as community hubs for people to meet. Suggestions included incorporating new restaurants, bars, and coffee shops to enhance the area’s vibrancy, as well as venues for live events, food and drink festivals and more outdoor seating areas.
A sense of community
The importance of celebrating Stockport’s strong community spirit came through strongly, with calls for additional community facilities such as healthcare services and facilities to help provide and enable more jobs locally.
Homes
The importance of affordable homes also came through very clearly in the feedback, as well as the demand for a diverse mix of housing types to cater for people at every stage of life from first time buyers to down sizers.
Green and outdoor spaces
It was great to see that there was a lot of support for the green and outdoor spaces proposed in the masterplan. There was a clear focus from people to preserve the existing greenery in the town but also enhance it with new trees, shrubs and outdoor areas for people to enjoy.
Celebrating history
We received lots of great memories about the local area and you told us how important it is to celebrate Stockport’s rich heritage and character, especially the viaduct. Preserving the town’s architectural heritage and celebrating its industrial past was also highlighted, especially in relation to the old mills.The importance of celebrating Stockport’s strong community spirit came through strongly, with calls for additional community facilities such as healthcare services and facilities to help provide and enable more jobs locally.
Transport
Transport was also a key topic of discussion, with an emphasis on improving local services and cycle lanes and promoting sustainable travel. People also commented that an appropriate level of parking should be provided.
You can find more detail about the conversation feedback in our summary report here.
Over the coming weeks our team will be back in the local community to continue the conversation and share how your feedback has influenced the plans.
In the meantime, you can stay up to date by following us on our Instagram and Facebook channels or by visiting the website: www.stockport8.co.uk
See you all again soon!