Stunning new images revealed for Stockroom, showcasing a bold vision for Stockport’s new cultural landmark ahead of its opening

The striking images give a glimpse of what visitors can expect to see when Stockroom opens its doors next year in the heart of the town centre. It will be the place in Stockport for getting together, getting involved or just popping by for a brew.

At Stockroom, visitors will find the town’s library, a children’s creative learning space, a café bar and Stockport’s historical archives.

Creative events space, Stockroom Studios will host a year-round programme of events, from yoga, toddler play, literature, music and even stand-up comedy. Stockroom’s unique culture programme will feature many unique collaborations, delivered with a range of partners, from local community groups to major international arts organisations.

Cllr Frankie Singleton, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Sport at Stockport Council, said: “Sharing these fantastic images of Stockroom is really exciting and brings our creative vision to life. After working so closely with the community and creative partners to create a welcoming space for anybody and everybody, this latest milestone feels like a huge achievement by everyone involved.

“I’m really proud of what we have achieved, the space looks incredible, and I can’t wait for Stockroom to open next year so residents and visitors can get involved in arts and crafts, enjoy live music and performances, learn a new skill and have access to cutting-edge learning and IT facilities.”

Cllr Mark Hunter, Leader of Stockport Council, said: “Stockroom is an integral part of our transformation of Merseyway and the wider £1bn town centre investment which is currently underway. The project will transform 135,000 sq. ft of vacant retail units and continue our work to create a vibrant, thriving town centre fit for the future. The images look superb and I’m looking forward to Stockroom welcoming its first visitors as we continue to make Stockport the best place for all our residents to live happy and healthy lives.”

To celebrate all things Stockroom, visitors to Merseyway will soon have the chance to get involved in two free creative workshops on 7-8 September, 11am-3pm in the covered mall.

Hosted by FutureEverything, Stockroom’s Emotional Biodiversity workshop suitable for all ages, will explore our emotional connection to the landscape and biodiversity of the town. It’s a chance to get your hands dirty and dig deep into Stockport's rich soil, unearth and decorate roots and bulbs, and create an entirely new species of bulb and plant life plus much more. A free arts pack will be given to each family taking part.

Grub Street risograph printing workshops, suitable for ages 6-100, are inspired by the Underbanks inky history of printing presses and printmakers. During these drop-in workshops, visitors are invited to draw, write and risograph print whilst rummaging through Stockport wonderful history archives and discussing what life was once like. Images and stories will be collated into a publication which will be shared next year at Stockroom’s opening and a special edition copy will be created for permanent display. The workshop will be led by illustrator and printmaker Heather Chambers, Co-Founder and Director of Underbank Studios.

As part of Stockroom Socials, Brutalist Banquet at Merseyway Workshop on 7 September is a fun hands-on workshop hosted by our neighbours. Tickets are £10 each and include a delicious vegetarian banquet. Tickets can be booked at:  Brutalist Banquet Tickets, Sat, Sep 7, 2024 at 12:00 PM | Eventbrite

Stockroom has been created and conceived for everyone and organisers have worked consistently with the people of Stockport to shape it. Stockroom will shortly announce an Open Call for a series of Creative Commissions and Kick Start Grants to be showcased when the centre opens. Sign up to the Stockroom Mailing List at www.stockrm.org for information about them.