Designed with, by and for the people of Stockport, it has become a favourite spot for learning, creativity and community connection. The space is always full of life, with families exploring, people of all ages getting creative, and residents dropping in throughout the day to read a book or meet friends.
Stockroom has helped make the town centre a lively, welcoming place for everyone. Since opening, more people are coming into Merseyway to enjoy the shops, cafés, and events, helping the area feel busier and more vibrant than it has in years, with visitor numbers topping 10 million in 2025.
Residents have embraced a wide programme of mostly free activities, including storytelling, creative workshops, youth gigs, comedy nights, Pride and Windrush celebrations, and exhibitions by artists such as Stan Chow and Casey Orr. Alongside library services, the town’s archives are now more accessible, helping people explore Stockport’s history.
Cllr Dan Oliver, Cabinet Member for Culture, said: “Stockroom has been an incredible success and people have truly taken it to their hearts. Since opening last May, we’ve seen thousands of residents coming through the doors every week, exploring the space, discovering new activities and making it their own.
“Our library service is busier than ever, with huge growth in book loans and new members, and it’s been fantastic to see so many people getting involved in creative and cultural events. Every day, Stockroom is full of energy — families reading together, young people performing in Stockroom Studios, and residents accessing support in a relaxed and welcoming environment. It’s become a place for everyone, shaped by our community, and a real source of pride for Stockport.”
Kate Doyle, Creative Programme Manager at Stockroom, said: “Stockroom has quickly become a vibrant space where creativity and community come to life. People aren’t just attending events, they’re shaping what happens here, and it’s become a place where people feel confident to try new things, share ideas and connect. We’ve been able to deliver such a wide and inclusive programme by working closely with a brilliant range of partner organisations, artists and community groups.
“We’re really proud of what’s been achieved so far, but this is just the beginning. We’ve got even more coming up, with new exhibitions, and a growing programme of free events, with something for everyone to enjoy — including the spectacular AMAZE outdoor projection coming to Merseyway in February, which brings local people’s stories to life on a huge scale.”
What’s coming up
- Youth Night: weekly Wednesday sessions for ages 14 to 25, relaunching at 5 to 7pm on Thursdays from 5 February
- DELVE: exploring LGBT+ stories through local archives, alongside a week of LGBT History activity from 9 to 15 February
- Roam River Roam: an exhibition celebrating creative work by new parents and babies. We'll be celebrating this exhibition on 12 February to coincide with Stock Baby
- Amoeba Photography Exhibition: showcasing local photographers, launching 29 January, with a full programme of free events
- AMAZE: a large-scale outdoor artwork on Merseyway car park sharing local stories, 21 to 22 February
Weekly favourites continue alongside these events, including:
- Children’s Storytime every Wednesday at 11am
- Knit and Natter every Tuesday at 11am
- Dungeon Crawlers fantasy roleplay club for children aged 7 to 11 every Friday at 4pm
Find out more about Stockroom and follow them on Instagram at @stockr__m and Facebook at @Stockroom Stockport.
