New images released as updated plans outlined for £250 million new neighbourhood 'under the arches' of Stockport viaduct

New pictures and updated plans for a new £250 million 'fully walkable' neighbourhood 'under the arches' of the iconic Stockport Viaduct have been released

Currently known as 'Stockport 8', the development on land on either side of King Street West on the outskirts of the town centre, will feature 1,200 homes as well as business for shops, cafes and other businesses.

There will also be a public square that can host markets and other 'pop-up' events as well as two children's play areas and other pockets of green space.

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The plans have been put forward by the Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) and the English Cities Fund - a joint venture between Homes England, Legal & General and Muse.

A first public consultation was held earlier this year which received more than 300 responses. And they are going back to the public for their views on revised plans. That is ahead of the expected submission of a planning application this autumn.

The eight-acre site is currently home to a mix of 'low quality' buildings, including the Stagecoach bus depot and some industrial buildings.

Those behind the plans say the fact it is nestled in between the town centre and Edgeley and close to the ongoing Weir Mill development, the new Stockport Interchange and the train station mean it is an 'ideal location for a thriving mixed neighbourhood.'

The scheme is a key pillar of the ongoing £1 billion transformation of the town centre being led by MDC. The updated masterplan for the 'Stockport 8' scheme says the homes will consist of a 'range of housing types and tenures' to suit people 'at every stage of life' including first time buyers, renters, families and downsizers.

"We're also looking to maximise the affordable housing in line with Stockport Council policy" they say. The homes will be centred around new public spaces including a a square underneath and immediately either side of the viaduct.

There then be a 'green spine' stretching from there to a new children's play area behind Hollywood Park Nursery School, one of a two such spaces planned. There will also other landscaped areas and green spaces, as well as residential courtyards and areas for green roofs to the buildings.

There will also be additional parking spaces car clubs, electric vehicle charging and plenty of cycle parking those behind it say. They are promising to celebrate the town's " rich heritage and character with a plan to reintroduce the historic street pattern and street names.

An environmental scoping report previously stated that there were buried ruins at the location which could be damaged during work - including a Roman road and remains of workers’ housing from the 19th century, among other sites.

Eamonn Boylan, interim chair at Stockport MDC, said: “Delivering long-term value for local communities is central to our ambitions for Town Centre West and Stockport’s wider transformation, which means ongoing conversations with residents are a crucial part of building the most sustainable and liveable town centre in the UK.

“The first phase of community engagement on Stockport 8 has been crucial in shaping the future of the development, ensuring that the culture and people of Stockport are reflected in what will be the largest site within the overall regeneration plans."

Joe Stockton, senior development manager at ECF, said: “We met and listened to hundreds of local people as part of the first conversation earlier this year.

There was a lot of support for providing green and outdoor spaces, alongside a mix of new homes to suit everyone. We also heard loud and clear how important it is to celebrate Stockport’s rich heritage and unique character.

“We’re going to be back out in the local community over the next few weeks to share some of the key themes from the feedback and show how the plans have evolved. Our aim has always been to create a thriving, inclusive neighbourhood that will deliver the needs of Stopfordians now, and for generations to come, so we’re excited to share the revised plans with local people and businesses and get their views.”

To find out more and give their views on the plans, locals can complete paper questionnaires being delivered to local residents or complete an online questionnaire on the scheme's website, email them at hello@Stockport8.co.uk or phone them on 0800 689 1095.

Two drop-in sessions are also being held; one on Saturday July 20 between 10am – 3pm at Merseyway Shopping Centre, and a second outside Edgeley Co-op on Castle Street on Thursday, August 1 between 12pm and 5pm.

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