Stockport's Underbanks is preparing for another period of change, with new shops, apartments and more in the pipeline.

Here are some of the changes to expect in the near future:

Apartments

New apartment buildings are springing up around the Underbanks, in an effort to "further boost the area's appeal for residential spaces", as the Council has said.

For one, there will be 12 new apartments at 25-29 Great Underbank (that's the corner building with the Joy Divison mural).

A further 50 apartments are being built along Churchgate, opposite St Mary's Church. These are due to be completed in Spring this year.

And in some more distant projects, the former Russell Morley House will be demolished to make way for future development, whilst works at 32-36 Lower Hillgate (opposite Robinson's Brewery) aim to "further rejuvenate the space".

Shops

As well as apartments, there are some exciting new shops planned for the Underbanks.

In the next few months, Sticky Fingers will be opening a new bakery, and a new bar and live music venue called The Underbank will be opening.

At the aforementioned 25-29 Great Underbank, there will be two new retail spaces on the ground floor below 12 new apartments.

Just over the road at 35-37 Great Underbank, the original brick façade and shopfront were reinstated in December 2024 to match the area's historic design, amongst other improvements. The property is now available for lease.

And similarly, at 33 Great Underbank, shopfront repairs, render restoration, and redecoration have set the scene for a new-look St Ann's charity shop.

Other developments

And that's not all.

Coopers Brow has had a new 'greening' project which introduced a green roof and nature-themed street art, which has enhanced the area's biodiversity.

At 11-13 Lower Hillgate, meanwhile, sensitive external repairs and the reinstatement of historic shopfronts are helping to preserve the area's architectural heritage.

And likewise, works at 4-6 Little Underbank and 41-43 Great Underbank aim to enhance both the infrastructure and visual appeal of the area.

Stockport's most iconic street?

The Underbanks have been walked by generations of Stopfordians over the centuries. In the modern day, this area has reaffirmed Stockport's reputation as "one of the coolest little corners of the country", in the words of The Sunday Times.

It's home to independent shops and restaurants, creative spaces, and more - a spot to eat, drink and shop in charming historic surrounds.

Leader of Stockport Council, Cllr Mark Hunter, expressed pride in the area's achievements: "We're proud to be at the forefront of regeneration across Greater Manchester, and the progress we've made in the Underbanks is a testament to that", he said.

"More businesses and developers are choosing Stockport and the Underbanks as the place to set up or relocate, contributing to the town's thriving economy.

"As part of our ambitious plans for the town centre, we're committed to supporting local businesses, and we encourage everyone to shop local—it's a vibrant, one-of-a-kind destination and well worth a visit. To be recognised nationally by such esteemed publications as The Times reinforces the fact that we are getting it right."

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