A pivotal moment in local regeneration: the Stockport 8 sustainable neighbourhood has officially received planning approval, marking a major milestone in the broader £1 billion Town Centre West programme. Delivered through the partnership of Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) and the English Cities Fund (ECF), the proposal sets out to transform an eight-acre site to the west of the town centre into a vibrant, mixed-use urban quarter.
ECF, a partnership between Homes England, Muse, and Legal & General, is working alongside Stockport MDC to create a walkable, sustainable neighbourhood that is designed to feel “distinctively Stockport.” Situated next to the railway viaduct and straddling both sides of King Street West, the project aims to reconnect previously separated areas beneath the arches with the town centre.
The scheme will deliver up to 1,300 high-quality, energy-efficient homes to serve different stages of life, from families to older residents. A mix of tenures, including affordable homes, Build-to-Rent, and open-market properties, is intended to encourage inclusive growth while also attracting a range of investors. Ground-floor units will host retail, business, and community spaces, supporting entrepreneurship and day-to-day vibrancy in the neighbourhood.
The development will also bring forward carefully designed public spaces and green infrastructure, featuring landscaped courtyards, green roofs, and improved public realm to encourage walking, leisure, and social interaction. A new pedestrian-only street will run through the scheme, alongside measures such as car clubs, EV charging points, and extensive cycle parking to prioritise sustainable mobility over traditional car use.
Heritage has played a central role in the design approach. Historic street patterns and names will be reintroduced, while public areas beneath the viaduct will be reimagined as spaces for markets, festivals, and community events.
Stockport 8 has been shaped through a two-stage consultation process that began in early 2024, giving local residents and businesses the chance to help shape the plans. Joe Stockton, Senior Development Manager at ECF, described the project as “a place for everyone, a place that’s distinctly Stockport,” and argued that it will set a new benchmark for town centre living. Eamonn Boylan, Interim Chair at Stockport MDC, hailed the decision as “a leap forward” toward delivering 4,000 homes as part of the wider Town Centre West masterplan.
For investors, the significance of Stockport 8 lies in its scale, sustainability, and integration with the wider regeneration of the town. The £350 million scheme is central to Stockport’s ambition to become one of the UK’s most liveable town centres, combining net-zero homes, walkable layouts, and high-quality public realm with strong community engagement and respect for the town’s heritage. Its location next to the newly completed Stockport Interchange transport hub strengthens its appeal, offering excellent connectivity for commuters and businesses alike.
The approval of Stockport 8 adds real momentum to the town’s wider regeneration strategy. It is a project that balances social value with economic return, creating a sustainable and inclusive urban community while providing a compelling investment opportunity at the heart of Greater Manchester.