The year in Stockport - the key events in the borough over the last 12 months
By Alasdair Perry 27th Dec 2025
As 2025 winds up, what better time to reflect on what has been a momentous year in Stockport.
There's been new developments, a plethora of new business openings, and some upheaval, too.
Here are some of the landmark stories from each month of the year to bring you up to speed for 2026.
January 2025 - Flooding batters Stockport
Unfortunately, the year got off to an inauspicious start, with parts of the borough left underwater following heavy rain around New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.
Most notably, Meadow Mill near Portwood had to be evacuated for three weeks, as the car park was left submerged and electricity cut off in the building.
The River Mersey also flowed particularly high, carrying debris with it and leaving low lying areas nearby waterlogged.
February 2025 - Work begins on Stopford Park, the major new housing development
February saw the start of construction on a new housing development in Stockport town centre, which will feature 442 new homes.
Known as Stopford Park, the development is based on Greek Street and Wellington Road South. The first phase of construction is on a block of 62 one- and two-bedroom homes, expected to open around March 2026.
Ensuing phases will see the conversion of the former Metropolitan Girls' School into 122 new apartments, as well as a further 258 homes in a new 16-storey building.
The development, which is being carried out by Cityheart, promises to 'transform' the area and mark a 'new chapter' for Stockport.
March 2025 - Work starts on Greek Street Bridge Repairs
Work on the mammoth task of replacing the Greek Street Bridge began in March 2025.
Cars since then have been rerouted away from the Armoury Roundabout, with diversions to remain in place until early next year.
The stretch of West Coast Mainline near Stockport was also put out of action for three weeks in August while engineers carried out the keystone task of lowering the new bridge beams into place.
The old bridge had reached the end of its natural life and so needed to be replaced. The new structure which engineers are installing is expected to last a further 120 years.
April 2025 - The Royal Nawaab pyramid opens
April 2025 saw a new chapter for one of Stockport's most iconic buildings.
The pyramid officially opened as a banqueting hall and events venue specialising in Indian and Pakistani cuisine.
The first and second floors contain events spaces with the capacity for hundreds of guests. Already they've been used for weddings, corporate get-togethers and much more. Each floor has its own kitchen, no less, and boasts expansive views over Stockport and beyond.
The main attraction for many, however, is the grand banqueting hall on the ground floor, stocking a veritable plethora of dishes.
May 2025 - Filming takes place in Stockport town centre for new Netflix drama
Film crews descended on Stockport in May to shoot scenes for 'Run Away' - the new Netflix series based on Harlan Coben's book of the same name.
The filming centred around Market Place, which was temporarily closed to traffic.
The series is expected to release in early 2026, and will feature a star-studded cast featuring the likes of James Nesbitt, Ruth Jones, Minnie Driver, Alfred Enoch, and Lucian Msamati.
Speaking with Tudum - Netflix's fan festival - Harlan Coban said: "Run Away is about family — about what we will do to keep our family intact, what secrets we keep within our family, and what secrets we keep as a family."
June 2025 - Metrolink is confirmed for Stockport
After years of expectation, Metrolink was finally confirmed for Stockport in June 2025.
Construction will begin soon on a new line connecting Stockport to Manchester city centre and beyond.
It's part of a £2.5bn investment in Greater Manchester from central government.
It comes after a lengthy campaign from Stockport Council to bring trams to the borough.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said it means that his transport plans can now be delivered at an 'unrelenting pace'.
July 2025 - McVitie's gets a new lease of life
The future was secured for Heaton Chapel's iconic McVitie's biscuit factory in July thanks to a sizeable investment.
The £21 million investment will provide new machinery and jobs, and comes from McVitie's parent company pladis.
Specifically, it will go towards a new chocolate moulding line and 'state-of-the-art' robotics to increase efficiency.
Stockport Council described the move as a 'major vote of confidence' for manufacturing in the area.
Based on Wellington Road North in Heaton Chapel, this iconic factory has been producing biscuits and crackers since 1917. Between this site and other McVitie's factories across the North West, an estimated £240m is produced each year for the regional economy.
August 2025 - New café opens at The Three Shires
New occupiers moved into the Three Shires - one of Stockport's most historic and iconic buildings - this August.
Brew32 opened on Monday 18 August at 32 Great Underbank, serving coffee, breakfasts, cakes, and more.
The new spot aims to 'breathe new life' into the historic building, which had been left closed and unoccupied for around a year.
Already, there has been an extensive but sympathetic renovation; Brew32 founder James says the design aims to bring 'light' to the building, with a 'mix of old and new'.
The historic timber frames and little bits of Tudor-age charm are still visible, but with a new contemporary edge - there's even a new al fresco outdoor seating area out front.
September 2025 - Stepping Hill Hospital's new outpatients building officially opens
Stepping Hill Hospital officially opened its new outpatients building in September this year.
The new building features state of the art equipment to help provide 'high quality care'.
It features 50 rooms, and provides services such as cancer care, dentistry, cardiology, neurology, podiatry, and more.
Based on the northern part of the Stepping Hill site, the outpatients building sits on the site of previously demolished hospital wards.
Work started in January 2024, after the previous building was deemed unfit for purpose.
October 2025 - Heaton Lane car park is closed for demolition
Long a feature of the Stockport skyline, the Heaton Lane car park was closed for demolition works in October.
The existing electric vehicle chargers in the car park have been relocated to elsewhere in Stockport town centre.
November 2025 - New Søstrene Grene store opens in Stockport town centre
A new Søstrene Grene store opened in Stockport town centre this November.
The major Scandinavian retailer opened their new store with a lavish ceremony replete with musicians, dancers, and giveaways for visitors.
The shop stocks affordable home decor, craft gifts, art supplies, and much more.
It's based in the former JD Sports unit, which has since relocated to a larger flagship store within the town centre.
December 2025 - Stockport schools named among best in the North West
Four Stockport schools have been named among the best in the North West by The Sunday Times.
The newspaper has released its 'Parent Power Guide for 2026' - its own league table based on year-on-year performance and editorial discretion.
Cheadle Hulme School, Cheadle Hulme High, Hazel Grove High and Stockport Grammar School all made it into the list.
Honourable mention: Marple, Gatley and Bramhall win big
This happened to be our most-read story this year!
Marple, Gatley and Bramhall all featured in the top 25 Best Places to Live in 2025 in England and Wales, compiled by Garrington's Property Finders.
In determining the positions, researchers considered natural beauty, wellbeing, heritage, schools and jobs plus value for money.
Garrington's researchers also considered "places that may not have met the broader data criteria for our main research but are nonetheless full of potential, charm, and lifestyle appeal".
CHECK OUT OUR Jobs Section HERE!
stockport vacancies updated hourly!
Click here to see more: stockport jobs
Share:
