Stockroom has welcomed its one millionth visit in less than a year since opening, marking a major milestone for the creative and cultural centre at the heart of Stockport town centre, ahead of its first birthday celebrations (22 to 24 May).
The landmark moment was celebrated with cheers, confetti and a special surprise for the person that hit the latest milestone of one millionth visit through Stockroom’s doors, highlighting the extraordinary success story that has unfolded since the venue first opened its doors in May 2025.
The lucky visitor was Samantha Smith, a schoolteacher from Stockport and regular visitor to Stockroom with her 2-year-old daughter, Alba. Samantha was visiting Stockroom to arrange a half-term visit for her pupils when she was announced as the milestone visitor. They were presented with a commemorative certificate and exclusive Stockroom merchandise to mark the occasion.
Since opening, Stockroom has rapidly become one of the town centre’s busiest and most talked-about destinations, welcoming people of all ages for reading, creativity, learning, events, workshops and social connection.
But this milestone represents far more than a number. Created by, with and for the people of Stockport, Stockroom has quickly become a favourite spot for learning, creativity and connection. Whether people come to explore, get creative, read a book or catch up with friends, it has established itself as an inclusive and welcoming space in the heart of the town, somewhere anyone can drop in, take part or simply relax.
Part of the UK’s largest town centre regeneration, Stockroom is helping to bring new life, energy and opportunity into Stockport town centre. The venue has also played a major role in increasing activity and footfall across the wider town centre, contributing to Merseyway Shopping Centre recording its busiest year in 2025, with footfall topping 11.4 million visits.
The milestone comes as Stockport continues to gain national attention for the scale of its town centre transformation, with Stockroom becoming one of the clearest examples yet of how culture, creativity and community spaces can help drive regeneration and bring people back into town centres.
Cllr Mark Roberts, Leader of Stockport Council
“One million visits in under a year is extraordinary, but what matters most is what that number represents. People haven’t just visited Stockroom, they’ve genuinely made it part of their lives.
“It was brilliant to welcome Samantha and Alba as our one millionth visit, but in many ways they represent the thousands of people who now see Stockroom as somewhere they can spend time every day of the week, learn something new, meet people or simply enjoy being part of town centre life again.
“You see students revising here after college, parents bringing their children to Storytime, older residents dropping in for a chat and young people trying things they might never otherwise have had access to. That’s when you know a space is working.
“Most importantly, this milestone belongs to the people of Stockport. The way residents, families, community groups and visitors have embraced Stockroom from day one is what has made it such a success, and I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has walked through the doors and made this place what it is.”
But beyond the numbers, it’s the way people are using Stockroom every day that stands out most.
Cllr Dan Oliver, Cabinet Member responsible for Culture
“I don’t think any of us expected just how quickly people would fall in love with Stockroom. One million visits in under a year tells its own story.
“What’s been amazing is seeing people treat this as their space. Some come to read, some come for workshops or events, some just want somewhere welcoming to sit with a coffee for half an hour, and all of that matters equally.
“There’s a real energy here that’s hard to describe until you experience it, and it’s been incredible to watch how quickly that has grown. The fact we’re celebrating one million visits before our first birthday is incredible, but it also feels like we’re only just getting started.”
On being the one millionth visit, Samantha Smith commented:
“We absolutely love it here. It was a godsend when my little girl was tiny, she could play and I could have a coffee. As a teacher, children at my school and the community need to know about Stockroom, the free public access computers and the library. We just love it!”
The milestone comes just days before Stockroom’s first birthday weekend, with a packed 3-day programme of free events and activities taking place from 22 to 24 May.
The celebrations will include live music, storytelling, creative workshops, family activities, giant games, discos and plenty of birthday cake, with visitors encouraged to drop in, take part and experience everything Stockroom has become known for over the past year.
Friday 22 May
- Dementia Disco: 5pm to 7pm – booking required. We’re teaming up with Dementia Disco to open the dancefloor to people with dementia and their loved ones. Music is magic; come and join the action!
Saturday 23 May
- Stockroom Cake Off: 11am to 12:30pm – register in advance. Bring your best bakes to our cake making comp. The brief is simple: birthday! Bakers of all ages welcome.
- Massive Musical Statues: 2 to 3pm. The party classic, hosted by Red Rodeo Club, is taking over Merseyway! Join us for a giant game of musical statues, with some brilliant prizes up for grabs.
- Party hat making: 1 to 5pm – drop in. Is it even a party without hats?
Sunday 24 May
- Storytimes Specials: booking required. Internationally renowned storyteller Jan Blake will make her Stockroom debut, bringing her dynamic storytelling, and award-winning author and broadcaster Nihal Arthanayake reads us one of his favourite books for kids. Jan – under 5s from 11:15am, ages 5 to 7 from 12 noon; Nihal – under 5s from 2pm.
- Live music: 1:30 to 3:30pm – The Page Turners are bringing their gorgeous neo soul / jazz fusion to the Living Room, to add the mellow and soothe the mind.
- Party Puppets: 11:30am to 3:15pm. A creative workshop for children led by Caroline Coates.
Visitors can find full event details, book tickets and register for events.
A full programme of FREE weekly and monthly activity continues at Stockroom, including hands-on creative sessions, exhibitions, family activities, and something for all ages to enjoy. Upcoming events include:
- Dungeon Crawlers: a monthly fantasy roleplay club for ages 7 to 11. Unleash your imagination and embark on thrilling quests in the realm of fantasy! Fridays 4 to 6pm. Booking required.
- Knit and Natter: welcoming all knitting and crochet enthusiasts – from experts to absolute beginners. Tuesdays at 11am.
- Lego Club: turn your imagination into reality, one brick at a time. Wednesdays from 3:30pm.
- Children’s Storytime: experienced storytellers introduce under 5s to the joys of reading and listening to stories together. Wednesdays at 11am.
- Youth Night: learn new skills, try new things and make your mark on Stockroom. From badge-making to Riso printing, seed bombs to selfies, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Thursdays from 5pm.
- Stockport Zine and Print Fair: an opportunity to learn about zine and print culture, take part in workshops and pick up a bargain from one of the many traders. Saturday 13 June from 10am.
To find out more about Stockroom, visit the website and follow them on Instagram: @stockr__m and Facebook.