Market Place and Underbanks pedestrianisation scheme set to get underway

Work is to start this week on a new pedestrianisation scheme for the Market Place and Underbanks that will improve the visitor experience for residents and businesses as part of the multi-million-pound regeneration of the town centre.

In December 2021, Stockport Council approved a package of improvements for walking and cycling in the Market Place and Underbanks Area of the town centre, following a consultation that received support from businesses and residents.

More than 500 responses were received on the plans that will reduce vehicle movements in the historic areas of Stockport town centre, and improve the environment for shoppers, pedestrians and cyclists.

The new scheme will allow residents to continue to enjoy the many shops, pubs and restaurants in the Market Place and Underbank area during peak times, including the Market Hall, Produce Hall, Bistro Marc at Winters, and the Cracked Actor to name but a few, without vehicles passing by.

Contractors working on behalf of the council will start creating the scheme from Tuesday, June 7 – following the Jubilee Bank Holiday weekend.

The scheme will result in new automatic bollards limiting access to the Market area between 10.30am and midnight Monday to Sunday. On Friday and Saturday, the restrictions will begin at 7am. The full-time closure of the Market Place in front of the Produce Hall will remain in place.

A section of Churchgate/Millgate will be closed to through traffic, which will create a traffic-free link between St Mary’s Church and the Market Place. Motorists will use the recently extended St Mary’s Way as a diversion route.

Signs have been placed in prominent locations in the town centre to make motorists aware that Churchgate will be closed to through traffic.

In addition, the scheme will see the closure of Bridge Street, Great Underbank and part of Little Underbank extended, with the new closure from 10.30am to midnight Monday to Sunday. A section of Little Underbank will become two-way for vehicles between 4pm and midnight.

A spokesperson for Stockport Council said: “This scheme forms part of the ongoing work to improve Stockport town centre. It will make it more inviting and safer for people to visit and enjoy the Market Place and the Underbanks.

“It is important that motorists take note of the changes to Churchgate and they should use the alternative route of St Mary’s Way to get to their destination.”

For more information on the Underbanks, visit Rediscovering the Underbanks.