Stockport has always been a borough built on strong communities. That sense of connection between neighbours, generations and places remains at the heart of the decisions we make as a council.
As more long-term plans start to become a reality in 2026, our focus remains clear: growth that benefits everyday life, in every neighbourhood and a borough that continues to move forward together.
A new sustainable neighbourhood rises: Stockport 8
We know that finding high quality homes is a priority for many. This year, we start work on Stockport 8, a new sustainable neighbourhood in the town centre.
Stockport 8 has been designed as a fully walkable, green, mixed community to suit residents at all stages of life. The first phase will deliver 435 energy-efficient homes, including one, 2, and 3-bedroom apartments – including 82 affordable homes – all built to net-zero standards.
We’re also creating public spaces: a new square under our famous viaduct to bring people together for events, as well as pedestrian routes and dedicated cycle lanes to improve connectivity to the surrounding areas. This is a core part of our Town Centre West masterplan, and it feels fitting that development on this 8-acre site starts in 2026 - laying the foundations for a thriving town centre built around environmental quality, wellbeing and connectivity.
Prioritising care and community
Nearby to Stockport 8 will be the completion of 442 homes at Stopford Park (formerly Royal George Village). It will create yet another vibrant community, with public realm improvements and landscaping with Art Park, and space for small businesses to work from in the revived co-working space, Cheers & Smith, once the former art college.
Another development that will make a huge difference to residents is St Thomas’ Centre for Living Well - an 82-bed intermediate care facility with eight supported housing units. The facility - one of the first of its kind in Greater Manchester - will support individuals who are discharged from hospital but aren’t yet ready to return home, as well as those who require short-term support to prevent hospital admission, helping them regain independence in a safe and supportive setting. We look forward to seeing this completed towards the end of this year.
To the east of the town centre, our long-term vision is even more ambitious. In September 2025, we revealed a 15-year plan that will see an additional 4,000 new homes, a riverside park, a new secondary school, and a modern health hub over the next decade and beyond. We’re opening up new riverside views, unlocking brownfield land, and planning a town centre that reflects our heritage while pushing forward sustainably and we look forward to starting that work in earnest this year.
Another development I’m looking forward to seeing progress is Fletcher Street, currently a derelict office block. Towards the end of last year, Greater Manchester Combined Authority approved £15m from the new GM Good Growth Fund to help unlock the site, which will deliver 245 age-inclusive and adaptable apartments.
Meanwhile, we have restored heritage sites like Weir Mill, set to be completed this spring, which blend our industrial past with modern living: 253 apartments, new commercial and social spaces - a place that bridges past and present. We believe this mix of housing will help people at different life stages to live in and contribute to our growing town.
Another significant development outside of the town centre, with building work set to start this year, is the pioneering Cheadle Eco Business Park – a new industrial and employment site designed to drive clean economic growth and deliver low‑carbon, sustainable workspace in Stockport.
A strong transport future
Improving how people move around Stockport remains a priority. New and improved walking and cycling routes are being delivered across the borough, making it easier to reach schools, shops, work and green spaces.
Our Metrolink ambitions are still part of our long-term vision, and while 2026 won’t see the tram arrive just yet, we are pushing hard with partners to make it a reality, with the route announcement due this year.
In the meantime, the newly franchised Bee Network buses from our award-winning Interchange are offering more affordable and flexible journeys and are making a real difference for residents across Stockport.
Wellbeing and support: people first
Through all this development, one principle remains constant: our duty to support the most vulnerable. Our ambitious council plan clearly set out that investment must go hand-in-hand with delivering for those who need it most. In 2026, we will continue to bolster our advice and support services, ensuring that residents facing financial difficulties, debt, or social exclusion are not left behind.
Additionally, as we plan for new homes and infrastructure, we will continue to demand high standards around accessibility, adaptability, and community health. Our development is not just about building structures, it's about building lives.
Sport, culture, and the life of the borough
Places like Stockroom have quickly become part of everyday life for many residents, and we look forward to celebrating its first birthday this May ahead of more cultural, leisure and community spaces opening this year such as the new Marple Hub.
On the sporting front, one landmark development to watch is Stockport County. Plans have been advancing to expand Edgeley Park and, while the journey is complex, this is about building a community stadium, somewhere more people can come together, support their team, and feel pride in their local club.
Looking ahead, together
All of this is happening in a challenging financial landscape, but we’re making every pound count, investing wisely, driving innovation, and keeping services strong whilst championing Stockport’s case for funding at every opportunity. Together, we’re building a Stockport that everyone can be proud of, a place where people don’t just live, they belong.
The changes we’re making are to benefit everyone across the borough and while success is visible in the centre, a lot of work is taking place to improve our 8 district centres and their local high streets, with each one experiencing higher footfall than the national average and lower-than-average vacancy rates.
2026 won’t be the finish line. But it will be a year where the direction of travel becomes clearer with new homes, better connections, and stronger neighbourhoods taking shape across the borough, and I wish every one of you a healthy and happy new year.
Cllr Mark Roberts
Leader of Stockport Council