Stockport is buzzing with activity this June, from major cultural openings and community events to important local news stories. Here’s a roundup of the latest developments shaping the town’s vibrant landscape.
Stockroom Opens to Record-Breaking Crowds
Stockport’s town centre has a new heartbeat: Stockroom, a dynamic community and cultural hub, officially opened its doors with a bang. Over 15,000 visitors flocked to the venue during its opening weekend, marking Merseyway Shopping Centre’s busiest week of 2025. Visitor numbers rose by 5% compared to last year and 10% over the previous week, signaling Stockport’s growing appeal as a destination for both locals and visitors.Stockroom isn’t just a library—it’s a multi-purpose space blending learning, culture, performance, and play. The opening festivities featured 40 events, from creative workshops to live performances, attracting over 700 participants. The library welcomed 517 new members, with nearly 3,700 book loans and over 1,600 returns. Computer facilities were in high demand, clocking nearly 600 hours of use in just three days.Cllr Dan Oliver, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Public Protection, described Stockroom as “a place to inspire people, spark creativity and bring the community together.” Victoria Nichol, Merseyway Centre Manager, echoed the optimism: “There’s a real sense of energy and optimism. It’s a brilliant time for Stockport – and we’re proud to be right at the heart of it”.
Summer Events Bring More to Explore
With Stockroom’s launch, Stockport’s summer calendar is packed. Upcoming highlights include:
Stockport Zine & Print Fair (June 14):
Celebrating independent publishing, design, and illustration with workshops and creative stalls.
Heatons Comedy Evening (June 14):
Stand-up comedy from rising and established UK acts.
Brutalist Banquet (June 21):
A hands-on workshop and vegetarian feast at Merseyway Workshop.
Hala Hala (June 29):
A new event spotlighting Arabic and South Asian music, arts, and cuisine, with live performances and food tastings.
Stockport Pride Returns to the Town Centre
June kicked off with a vibrant celebration as Stockport Pride returned to the heart of the town. The event featured a colourful parade, live music, drag acts, and a host of stalls representing local charities, community groups, and independent traders. Market Place was transformed with crafts, food, and family-friendly activities, while quiet zones offered space to unwind. The parade, a highlight of the day, wound its way from the Underbanks through Merseyway and around the town centre, drawing crowds and reinforcing Stockport’s commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. The event was free and open to all, with proceeds from a community raffle supporting future festivities.
Empowering Parents, Empowering Communities (EPEC) Reaches Hundreds
Stockport continues to invest in family wellbeing. Since 2018, nearly 700 local parents have participated in the Empowering Parents, Empowering Communities (EPEC) programme. EPEC offers peer-led support, equipping parents with tools and confidence to navigate family life and strengthen community ties. The initiative reflects Stockport’s broader focus on children and families, aiming to build resilience and positive outcomes across the borough.
Business Success and Recognition
Stockport’s business community is thriving, with local firms earning regional accolades:
Good Employer of the Year:
Bredbury-based Datesand won the prestigious title at the Greater Manchester Good Employment Awards, recognised for outstanding working conditions and staff support. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner praised the town’s employers for setting a standard that benefits both workers and businesses.
Innovation and Investment:
Greater Manchester, including Stockport, is set to benefit from an £86 million innovation boost, supporting digital transformation and business growth. Local companies are also expanding, with Stockport electrical wholesalers and lenders making significant acquisitions and bond issuances.
Transport and Infrastructure
Stockport’s leaders are pushing for major improvements in connectivity. Council leader Mark Roberts has renewed calls for the long-awaited Metrolink expansion, arguing that it’s now Stockport’s “turn” to benefit from better transport links. This move is seen as critical to supporting the town’s ongoing regeneration and economic growth.
Stock Party: A Feast for the Senses
On June 7th, Stockport’s old town buzzed with the return of the Stock Party, a free, all-day street festival celebrating the town’s independent spirit. The event sprawled across Stockport Underbanks, Robinsons Brewery Yard, and MarketPlace, drawing crowds with an irresistible mix of food, drink, music, and creative pop-ups. Local favourites like Where The Light Gets In, Honest Crust Pizza, Bohemian Arts Club, and Mekong Cat served up culinary delights, while bars and breweries kept the drinks flowing.
Multiple outdoor stages hosted live sets from SK1 Records, PINK, M06B, and more, ensuring a lively soundtrack throughout the day. The newly opened Stockroom joined the festivities with a family-friendly breakout space, offering hands-on activities and entertainment for all ages. The party continued into the night with afterparties at PINK and Red Bull, cementing Stock Party as a highlight of Stockport’s summer calendar.
Major Regeneration: Stockport Exchange Moves Forward
Stockport’s transformation is accelerating with the next phase of the £145 million Stockport Exchange project. The council is moving to acquire 72-74 Wellington Road South via a compulsory purchase order (CPO), unblocking a key site for the development of a new 60,000 sq ft office building. This is part of a larger master plan that will add around 245,000 sq ft of office space and 100 apartments, further connecting the Exchange to the A6 and creating a high-profile gateway for the town.
Conclusion:
Stockport in June 2025 stands out as a town in the midst of transformation and celebration. The successful launch of Stockroom has energized the community, drawing record crowds and establishing a new hub for culture, learning, and creativity. Major events like Stock Party and Stockport Pride have brought residents together, showcasing the town’s inclusive spirit and vibrant independent scene.Business growth, ongoing regeneration projects like Stockport Exchange, and calls for improved transport links highlight Stockport’s ambition to become a leading destination for investment and innovation. Meanwhile, the town’s commitment to community wellbeing is evident in initiatives supporting parents, healthcare improvements, and campaigns for safety and equality.With a packed calendar of festivals, theatre, and creative workshops, Stockport is not only preserving its rich heritage but also embracing new opportunities and diversity. As summer unfolds, the town’s momentum promises even more reasons for residents and visitors to feel proud and optimistic about Stockport’s future.
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