Rhys Owen, Leasing Director at Orbit Developments discusses Stockport’s rise over the last few years and what steps the town needs to take to ensure it can continue with its regeneration and growth.
“On Thursday 28th February we will be hosting our latest breakfast event, where 100+ attendees from across the region will join us to hear from the council and local businesses – Orbit Developments, Music Magpie, Grassroots Recruitment and international company Starkeys, on the success story that is Stockport.
In preparation for the event, I have been musing about the change that our town centre will see over the next 5 years and it’s safe to say we have a lot to talk about.
2019 will bring the installation of the frame and glazing of the new Stockport Exchange buildings, the conversion of the old Royal Mail sorting office into high end apartments with a huge green wall making a positive statement for the A6.
Further conversion of properties across the town centre into residential space will provide well over 500 units for the growing residential scene – something which is likely to draw those young professionals out of the city centre.
The change in demographics is key to ensure future success for our town centre via disposable income, an appetite for good food and drink and a need for a buzzing social scene provided the by latest bars and Food Hall in the Old Town.
This once ignored town centre is reaping the rewards of a local council and stakeholder partnerships that are working together with local businesses to deliver a private and publicly regenerated town centre.
We’re so proud of the change that has already happened, but maybe the most exciting times for Stockport are yet to come?
It’s hard to imagine how different the town centre will be in 5 years’ time, but maybe government bodies will be creating case studies on the positive economic change in Stockport as they do now with Altrincham.
So, come and take a look at what the town centre can offer and put perceptions to one side and see the true Stockport story unfolding and perhaps even become a part of it.”
