This transformation hasn’t happened by accident. It’s been shaped by a shared vision, the creativity of local businesses, support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, and by people choosing to visit, live and invest in the area again.
Six years ago, the Underbanks looked very different.
Where it all began
The revival began with Where the Light Gets In, the White Lion apartments and Profolk, helping to spark the Old Town’s wider comeback.
The first major project supported through the Townscape Heritage Initiative was 3 Little Underbank, completed in 2021. It became Mustard, a co-working space for local businesses and creatives.
Opening at a time when working habits were changing, Mustard offered freelancers, small teams and remote workers a place to connect, collaborate and feel part of the area’s growing community, all within a carefully restored historic building.
From this starting point, the transformation gathered pace, with a series of restorations and developments bringing new life to the area, including:
- The White Lion: Stockport’s oldest tavern, now a thriving bar and social venue
- Winters: restored into a popular restaurant, with its iconic clock carefully brought back to life
- St Mary’s Gate, Churchgate: 50 high-quality apartments, helping bring more people back into the town centre
- 35–37 Great Underbank: historic façade and shopfront reinstated, now home to Not Just barbershop
- 33 Great Underbank (St Ann’s Hospice): improvements to the shopfront and exterior, supporting this valued local charity
- 25–29 Little/Great Underbank: new apartments and retail space, designed to complement the historic streets
- 11–13 Lower Hillgate: restoration of traditional shopfronts and architectural features
- Coopers Brow Greening Project: a green roof, street art and planting to enhance the space
- 3 Market Place & 7 Rostron Brow: restoration of historic façades and reuse of vacant upper floors
- public realm improvements: upgraded paving, heritage-style lighting, street signs and planters
- former RBS building: brought back into use as hospitality venue, Underbank
What’s still to come
Work is continuing, with further improvements planned, including:
- 4–6 Little Underbank: upgrades to improve the building and surrounding area
- 45–47 Great Underbank: works to enhance the building’s appearance and condition
- Russell Morley House: demolition to prepare the site for future redevelopment
- Coopers Brow: 18 new apartments above 2 commercial units, starting this summer
Food, nightlife and culture
The Underbanks has become one of Greater Manchester’s most distinctive destinations for independent food, drink, music and culture. Cafés, bars and shops now line the streets, creating a lively atmosphere throughout the day and into the evening.
Businesses such as The White Lion, Bruk, By Yon Orange, Sticky Fingers, Odioba, Cherry Jam and Loft Social have brought fresh energy to the area, showcasing the creativity and diversity of Stockport’s independent scene. The area is also seeing repeat investment, with some businesses opening second or third venues here, and the team behind Odioba recently launching the General Store nearby.
The café culture continues to grow, building on early pioneers like Yellowhammer, founded by chef Sam Buckley of Where the Light Gets In, with newer additions such as Convene adding to the mix.
Footfall has increased significantly, particularly at weekends, with many businesses reporting that it has doubled over the past 5 years.
Nearby, Foodie Friday has grown, attracting thousands of people each month for street food, drinks and live entertainment. Its success has helped bring more visitors into surrounding areas, including the Underbanks, supporting local businesses and contributing to Stockport being named Foodie Neighbourhood of the Year at the Manchester Food and Drink Awards.
Jon Dootson, owner of Alfredo’s and The White Lion
Thanks to the success of my first 2 businesses in the Underbanks, I’m now opening a third. The area is thriving, with valuable support from the council and a growing network of passionate, independent business owners. There’s real energy in the area, and it’s only getting better.
Alongside this, a programme of events, including guided tours, talks, workshops and community activities, has helped people connect with the area’s history and heritage, strengthening its role as a cultural hub.
Murals and street art
Renowned artists have created a series of striking murals across the Underbanks, helping to turn the area into an open-air gallery and bringing new life to walls and hidden corners.
Highlights include Emily Flanagan’s Shop Small, Love Local, Otto Schade’s tribute to Jimi Hendrix, the Moth mural on Lower Hillgate celebrating local wildlife, and a mural honouring Sarah Harding and her connection to Stockport.
Together, these artworks add colour, character and a sense of discovery to the area, while strengthening local pride and identity.
Lights, camera, action
The Underbanks has also become an increasingly popular filming location, with its historic streets and distinctive character attracting productions such as House of Guinness.
Its growing reputation as the “Hollywood of the North” is helping to raise Stockport’s profile and showcase the area to audiences far beyond the town.
A strong future
While the Rediscovering the Underbanks project is drawing to a close, its legacy is clear. Historic buildings have been carefully restored, vacant spaces brought back into use, and new homes have returned life to the town centre. Independent businesses and hospitality venues are thriving, supported by improved public spaces and a growing cultural offer.
Looking back, the Underbanks’ transformation is a story of careful restoration, imaginative reuse and strong community spirit. Its streets are once again busy and full of life, with a renewed sense of confidence in the area.
With this strong foundation in place, the Underbanks is well positioned for the future — a vibrant, creative and welcoming part of Stockport that continues to evolve.
More projects are on the way and the council and its partners will continue to support the area, helping to shape new spaces while protecting its unique character.
Have your say
Residents are invited to share their views on the Underbanks as part of the Rediscovering the Underbanks project. The short survey will help build a clearer picture of how people experience the area and inform future plans.
The survey closes on Tuesday 31 March 2026.