Stockport plans for new retail development gets go ahead

Stockport Council has approved outline planning permission for an extensive redevelopment scheme in the heart of the town. It is hoped the project could reinvigorate the area and its local economy, creating hundreds of jobs.

The plans include the building of a new cinema, restaurants, shops and a hotel within Stockport town centre on the Bridgefield car park site.

Identified as the “ideal place” for the plan, according to the council, the 2.8 hectare site sits adjacent to an existing Debenhams store and the Merseyway Shopping Centre. Tagged for development for a number of years, the news is sure to be welcomed by a large number of groups.

Talking about the announcement, Iain Roberts from the town’s council said:

“The council has seen an opportunity here and we’re not afraid to take action.

“Developing Bridgefield into a fantastic leisure destination will make Stockport more attractive to visitors, create jobs for local people and boost the local economy.”

Presently, no developers have been selected to take on the project. However, there are many local and national firms of building contractors and concrete flooring suppliers that will no doubt be interested in such a scheme.

Roberts, the Executive Member for Economic Development and Regeneration at Stockport Council, continued his announcement, saying:

“We now see it as our job to take the initiative and make the site as attractive as possible to potential developers.”

The news of the redevelopment, which also includes a new 250 bay multi-storey car park, follows a period of consultation with local residents and businesses.