Walk around Stockport town centre and it's easy to get a sense of how quickly the area is changing.

Work is coming together on major projects such as the new transport interchange due to open in March, as well as new apartment blocks and public spaces next to restored buildings.

This change is set to be ramped up even further under a new plan to "up the pace" of the town's transformation.

A masterplan on the future of Stockport aims to "grow Stockport's economy" and create thousands of new homes and jobs in the borough between now and 2027.

The plan includes raising standards in schools, creating safe neighbourhoods, and tackling poverty.

The town centre looking pictureqsue in the snow, showing why it has lots to offer (Image - Alasdair Perry)

This will be targeted alongside calls for "major investment" in the borough, as well as ongoing work to secure the expansion of the Metrolink to the town.

Stockport has been pushing Greater Manchester leaders to commit to an expanded tram network for years, and the scheme looks closer than ever to becoming reality after Mayor Andy Burnham promised in December to publish a business case for the plan within 12 months.

Councillor Wendy Meikle, Stockport's cabinet member for children, families and education, said she wants to see "the best schools and colleges in the country" in the borough, and promised to invest in education as well as promote apprenticeships as part of the work.

Alongside schools and jobs, the town's cultural offering is set to grow, with new initiatives to clean up public spaces and host events to boost footfall in district centres.

Events are planned to boost footfall in district centres across the borough (Image - Alasdair Perry)

Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation – a company leading regeneration in the town – has also committed to building 1,500 new homes by 2027, of which 500 will be designated as affordable.

That's on top of the council's own promise to build 4,000 new homes in Stockport town centre over the coming years, 1,400 of which are already in progress.

However, the town hall has faced criticism over the amount of affordable homes being built, which opponents say is not enough to meet the high demand.

The new masterplan for the future of Stockport was approved by councillors last week alongside its budget proposals, where it was forced to find £11 million in savings to balance the books.

Council leader Mark Hunter said despite the financial pressures the town hall is facing, "it's an incredibly exciting time" for Stockport which has "big opportunities" ahead.

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