A car park at a Stockport shopping centre is set to close for 12 months during works by United Utilities (UU).

Bramhall precinct will close when work begins on the Briarlands Close combined storm overflow in January, where a 1000m3 underground tank will be built.

It is one of five projects due to start in Stockport over the next six months to improve water quality in the borough, part of an £80m investment by the water firm to build a series of storage tanks across Stockport to reduce the number of times that storm overflows operate during periods of heavy rain.

Traders in Bramhall Village Square previously warned that closing the car park could have an impact on footfall in the area, and encouraged customers to keep visiting and supporting local shops.

Anna Sheridan, owner of Plumcake Cafe, said in January: "We are trying to stay positive, but it is for a long time."

The precinct car park had to close for around two weeks in September 2024 while initial groundworks took place, and some visitors at the time said the area turned into a 'ghost town' with fewer shoppers than usual.

Bramhall also has the Meadway Car Park which is a short walk away from the shopping centre.

Village Square, in Bramhall village centre (Image - Nub News)

Cllr Peter Crossen, who represents the Bramhall South and Woodford ward, said: "After the significant flooding events of recent years, I warmly welcome this investment in upgrading the storm overflow network across the borough.

"With regard to the works taking place in my own ward, I am calling on the council to take all appropriate measures to minimise the impact of the 12 month precinct car park closure on businesses in Bramhall Village Centre, and to ensure that residents and visitors continue to enjoy a smooth and positive experience throughout the duration of the works."

In total, UU is planning to build more than 19,000m3 of storage at the five sites in Stockport, which is the equivalent of seven and a half Olympic sized swimming pools. This will help improve water quality in both Micker Brook and the River Mersey, the firm said.

One of the projects which started this month is at Cheadle Golf Club where a 500m3 underground tank is being built. Work is expected to be completed by the end of 2026 and will improve water quality in Micker Brook.

Another scheme will take place at Stockport wastewater treatment works where more than 16,700m3 of storage will be created by building multiple new storm tanks. United Utilities this week submitted an initial request to the council for the works.

This project is expected to start in early 2026 and will be completed by the end of 2028, to help improve water quality in the River Mersey.

Bramhall village centre (Image - Nub News)

Back in Bramhall, a 320m3 tank will be built at Lumb Lane, which is set to start in February 2026 and will take up to 12 months to complete.

While close to Stockport town centre, work on a 650m3 storage tank will take place near Hope Street, starting in Spring until the end of 2028 to improve water quality into the River Mersey.

Chris Borradaile, wastewater director for United Utilities, said: "We're working at pace right across the region to deliver the largest investment in the wastewater network for a century.

"These five projects in Stockport will make a real difference to water quality in both the River Mersey and Micker Brook."

In total, UU said it will be spending more than £13bn over the next five years to protect and enhance over 500km of rivers, lakes and bathing waters, and safeguarding drinking water supplies for millions of its customers.

Cllr Grace Baynham, Stockport council's cabinet member for parks, highways and transport, previously spoke about the impact of the car park closure on Bramhall.

She said at the time: "We understand the frustrations expressed by our residents and local businesses and are actively working with all parties involved to minimise disruptions.

"United Utilities is working hard to enhance the storm overflow system at Briarlands Close, which feeds into the Micker Brook. These upgrades are essential for safeguarding our environment.

"We recognise the inconvenience this may cause and want to assure you that alternative parking is available at the nearby Meadway car park, just a five-minute walk away."

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