Strengthening the heart of Stockport
The Strategic Regeneration Framework (SRF) prioritises the regeneration and reinvigoration of Stockport Town Centre East, recognising the vital role the town centre plays as the borough's core.
A series of key place-driven initiatives are described in this chapter. These ‘key moves’ have influenced the design of the masterplan and cut across the proposed neighbourhood areas.
- Creating vibrant green and blue places
- Introducing a people-friendly heritage network
- Creating a connected town centre
01: Creating vibrant green and blue places
The framework identifies key routes and proposes to link places by amplifying and extending existing green and blue assets such as Fred Perry Way, the River Goyt, Hempshaw Brook within and beyond the framework area. These are centred around the following themes:
- public realm
- play
- green Infrastructure and biodiversity
- blue infrastructure and sustainable drainage
- landscape and ecology
Proposed interventions include:
- improving Fred Perry Way
- creating a new destination play space along the River Goyt
- a proposed new active travel bridge over the River Goyt
- opening up Hempshaw Brook to create a biodiverse green / blue space
- creating a new urban park linking the civic quarter to the town centre retail core
- installing sustainable drainage systems
- introducing 'play on the way' opportunities
02: Creating a people-friendly heritage network
The framework aims to weave Stockport’s rich history into new urban development, creating a network of heritage sites and routes that are accessible, engaging and celebrate the town’s unique history. Finding new ways to invigorate Stockport's existing heritage will be supported, linking together heritage assets in the west of the town with important historical buildings and landmarks in the east.
Key historic pathways and street patterns, including the Civic and Historic Heart of the town, will be revitalised and connected through new development. Accessible and navigable routes will be established, prioritising active travel and allowing residents and visitors to explore Stockport’s history at their own pace.
Interactive and engaging interpretation will be integrated throughout the heritage network, bringing Stockport’s history to life. Using the town's wealth of historic assets, alongside thoughtful and high-quality design, a dynamic and immersive experience will be created that fosters a deeper appreciation of the town's heritage.
Proposed interventions include:
- finding new ways to invigorate Stockport's existing heritage will be supported, linking up key heritage assets across the town centre
- better wayfinding to highlight heritage points of interest
- rediscovering historic street patterns
- bringing Stockport's heritage to life with new public art installations
03: Creating a connected town centre
Connectivity within Stockport Town Centre will be enhanced by improving physical links, promoting sustainable transport options and creating a more integrated and accessible urban environment – linking together the western and eastern parts of the town centre.
Pedestrian and cycle routes will be improved through enhancing existing pathways as well as the opportunity to create new people-friendly links. Key arrival points into the town centre, such as the Interchange and Railway Station will be supported by a network of clear and navigable routes which better connect into Merseyway and the retail core.
There is the opportunity to create a new people-focused link from the railway station into the heart of the Town Centre. This will help people more easily navigate towards the retail core and Stockport’s historic centre.
Proposed interventions include:
- improving east-west and north-south connections for active travel
- having clear, accessible routes from the railway station and Interchange
- promoting digital connectivity
- reinforcing town centre retail core through improved links