Stockport Town Centre is key to the success of the borough. The council acknowledges the challenges of out-of-centre and online retailing and as a result of economic impacts arising from the Covid-19 pandemic. Consequently, the role of the town centre needs to evolve into a place that is much more than just about shopping.
With the Mayoral Development Corporation at its heart our town centre has the potential to deliver significant levels of new housing in a sustainable way, close to transport links, jobs, shops and services. This area can deliver the infrastructure required to meet the demands of the new urban communities which will be created. The town centre will be a healthy and attractive place where people want to live, work and play. It will also be designed and built to meet the demands of our commitment to achieving net zero carbon by 2038.
The Local Plan proactively supports the role and function of the town centre. It seeks to build on its strengths as a retail, leisure and commercial destination whilst balancing these with a growing role as a place to live. Sufficient flexibility is also in place to ensure we can respond positively and effectively to changes in circumstances over the plan period.
The policies in this section of the plan will allow the council to manage development so that, in particular, it supports or contributes to achieving Objectives 2, 3, 5, 6, 7 and 9.
STC 1: Stockport Town Centre principles
Development will be encouraged which strengthens the town centre's vitality and viability, promotes a diversity of uses that are flexible in response to change and which contributes positively to maintaining and generating footfall and bringing about a vibrant sense of place. Significant weight will be given to proposals which:
a.provide a range of new homes to help meet housing needs at densities appropriate to the town centre location;