Stockport Labour expects the next Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) Meeting (January 11th) to officially back Stockport’s ‘Town Centre West’ redevelopment plans to become the first ever ‘Mayoral Development Corporation’ status.
The plans, agreed in principle in September, should provide a significant boost the redevelopment of the west of Stockport Town Centre. Additional Mayoral powers to compulsory purchase land will mean development can take place more swiftly, helping to regenerate the area and the local economy.
The unprecedented step will further help with plans to build up to 3,000 homes in the area, within an ‘urban village’ on brownfield sites. This will provide a choice of homes and workspace where residents and business will have enviable access to public transport and be amongst the best connected in the region.
The Town Centre West area covers a triangle of land from the Stockport viaduct, along the M60 to the ‘pyramid’ roundabout, and up to and including Stockport Railway station. Plans for the area have been designed to work alongside ambitious future plans for the town centre, including the plans on Stockport interchange and for the incorporation of Metrolink into the town.
Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) status will also help raise the profile of the regeneration efforts in Stockport and the Town Centre West more specifically, helping attract inward investment alongside the £1billion investment the Council has already committed to regeneration.
Stockport’s lead member for the Economy and Regeneration, Cllr Kate Butler commented:
“The first ever Greater Manchester Mayoral Development Corporation status being awarded in Stockport would demonstrate the level of vision and ambition we have for Stockport.
“This will help us bring more homes into Stockport’s centre, develop brown field sites, and protect our green spaces. Alongside this, these plans should help ensure our Town Centre remains a lively and bustling place to visit and live.
“We want Stockport to remain vibrant in terms of its economy, investment opportunities and the quality of life it has to offer out residents. If the MDC get the go ahead on Friday, it will represent a major step towards that.”
Stockport’s Labour Council leader, Alex Ganotis added:
“Since Labour came into office in Stockport, we have remained determined to leave no stone unturned to protect greenfield sites, redevelop Stockport’s centre and deliver the homes people need.
“I believe these proposals, and the boost MDC status will give them, will help Stockport to achieve all three of these ambitions.
“That said, public input into our plans is still incredibly important to getting them right. Should these plans progress as we expect, I encourage people to have their say on them by taking part in the consultation which will follow. “
If consultation for the MDC is given the go-ahead by GMCA leaders, an 8-week long online consultation will be launched, asking for your views on the MDC, and all of the businesses in the Town Centre West area will be written to. To get involved in the consultation visit https://www.gmconsult.org/