Major UK city set to be transformed by incredible new £250m 'walkable town'

Part of a major northern city is set to be transformed by the creation of a 'fully walkable' neighbourhood.

New images and revised plans for a £250 million district nestled 'under the arches' of the iconic Stockport Viaduct in Greater Manchester have been unveiled.

The development, currently known as 'Stockport 8', will be situated on land either side of King Street West on the outskirts of Stocport's town centre.

It is set to feature 1,200 homes, along with spaces for shops, cafes and other businesses. The project also includes a public square designed to host markets and other 'pop-up' events, two children's play areas and additional green spaces.

The Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) and the English Cities Fund - a partnership between Homes England, Legal and General and Muse - are behind the plans.

Earlier this year, a public consultation was held which garnered over 300 responses. Now, the public is being asked for their views on the updated plans, ahead of an expected planning application submission this autumn.

The eight-acre site is currently occupied by a mix of 'low quality' buildings, including a Stagecoach bus depot and some industrial structures.

Those spearheading the project believe its location, nestled between the town centre and Edgeley and in close proximity to the ongoing Weir Mill development, the new Stockport Interchange and the train station, makes it an 'ideal location for a thriving mixed neighbourhood, reports the Manchester Evening News.

A 'green spine' will extend from this area to a new children's play area behind Hollywood Park Nursery School, one of two such spaces planned. Other features include landscaped areas, green spaces, residential courtyards, and green roofs on buildings.

Additional parking spaces for car clubs, electric vehicle charging points, and ample cycle parking are also included in the plans. The team promises to honour the town's " rich heritage and character with a plan to reintroduce the historic street pattern and street names.

The 'Stockport 8' scheme, a crucial part of the ongoing £1 billion transformation of the town centre led by MDC, has released an updated masterplan. The plan outlines a variety of housing types and tenures to accommodate individuals at all life stages, including first-time buyers, renters, families, and those looking to downsize.

"We're also looking to maximise the affordable housing in line with Stockport Council policy" they stated. The homes will be built around new public spaces, including a square under and on either side of the viaduct.

An environmental scoping report previously stated that there were buried ruins at the location which could be damaged during work - including a Roman road and remains of workers' housing from the 19th century, among other sites.

Eamonn Boylan, interim chair at Stockport MDC, emphasised the importance of community input in the town's regeneration. He said: "Delivering long-term value for local communities is central to our ambitions for Town Centre West and Stockport's wider transformation, which means ongoing conversations with residents are a crucial part of building the most sustainable and liveable town centre in the UK.

"The first phase of community engagement on Stockport 8 has been crucial in shaping the future of the development, ensuring that the culture and people of Stockport are reflected in what will be the largest site within the overall regeneration plans.

Joe Stockton, senior development manager at ECF, shared insights from the community consultations. He said: "We met and listened to hundreds of local people as part of the first conversation earlier this year.

"There was a lot of support for providing green and outdoor spaces, alongside a mix of new homes to suit everyone. We also heard loud and clear how important it is to celebrate Stockport's rich heritage and unique character.

"Stockton announced upcoming engagement opportunities: "We're going to be back out in the local community over the next few weeks to share some of the key themes from the feedback and show how the plans have evolved. Our aim has always been to create a thriving, inclusive neighbourhood that will deliver the needs of Stopfordians now, and for generations to come, so we're excited to share the revised plans with local people and businesses and get their views.".