Stockport is entering 2018 in a strong position after a highly successful 2017. Rhys Owen, Leasing Director, Orbit Developments shares his thoughts on Stockport continuing it’s success throughout 2018.
“This year has seen major changes, development and highlights in Stockport’s town centre, which will fuel much of the progress 2018 promises.
Planning applications are being developed for the next phase of Stockport Exchange, plans refined for the improved bus interchange and the train station, and there will be visible change too with the completion of some key residential developments, the demolition of the former cinema and the completion of further access works under the TCAP works.
Everywhere you look the media is reporting the changes happening in Stockport, and pleasingly it’s with a positive view.
The noise is reaching other parts of GM and Cheshire and we are seeing Stockport appealing to increasing numbers of businesses from outside the town.
Companies from Macclesfield and Old Trafford are just two of the latest firms to be welcomed into our 12-building strong portfolio in Stockport town centre, having heard about and seen all the changes taking place.
However, we need to be looking ahead to 2018 and starting to put plans in place that will bring something new to our town.
We should take inspiration from other town centres across Greater Manchester and encourage key groups who are driving improvement to visit different locations to pull these ideas together.
Christmas has provided many opportunities and ‘easy wins’ for improving the street scene; festive markets, oversized street props to generate chatter on social media channels and create customer engagement or the improvement of accessibility across the town such as a Christmas train linking the different parts of the town centre.
Following the significant investment into the town in 2017, Stockport’s in a fantastic position for the New Year. We have been handed the tools for success, so it’s up to us to ensure 2018 delivers on the potential it offers.”
