FAQS

A Mayoral Development Corporation is a statutory body created to bring forward the regeneration of a defined area. They have powers to acquire, develop, hold and dispose of land and property and have powers to facilitate the provision of infrastructure.

In Greater Manchester, Mayor Andy Burnham has developed a model that will allow the region to harness the potential that MDCs have to bring about large-scale regeneration while being sympathetic to local circumstances without creating major, additional bureaucracy.

Town and city centres throughout the UK are changing as people’s habits change: flexible working, the Internet and greater choice has led in many areas to the loss of the traditional High Street. New urban village communities will help to create more sustainable town centres and assist in achieving ambitious environmental targets by reducing private travel and increasing green spaces.

Following a public consultation Stockport became the first town in Greater Manchester to create a Mayoral Development Corporation. A Board consisting of representatives from the main political parties, Stockport Council and partner organisations has been created to provide overall direction.

The ambition for the MDC is to deliver 3,500 new high quality homes accommodating around 7,000 residents. The proposals will diversify the existing choice of homes, contribute to economic growth by increasing the population of Stockport town centre (including older people, families and young professionals), and deliver an improved tenure mix (providing opportunities for home ownership, social and affordable rent and well managed private rented accommodation).

Up to 100,000 m2 of employment space will also be provided incorporating a mix of office, workshops, retail and leisure, health and education which could accommodate up to 5,300 new jobs.

The proposals set out following the outcome of an initial public consultation which ran from 14th January 2019 to 10th March 2019. The consultation response to the proposed MDC was very positive. 78% of people either agreed or strongly agreed that the MDC was the best way to drive forward long term regeneration and 81% agreed that the MDC would support and improve Stockport town centre as a whole.

The consultation responses informed the delivery of the Stockport Town Centre West Strategic Regeneration Framework (SRF) which was approved by Cabinet on 12th November 2019 and will shape the future development of the area.

Any regeneration of this size is a long term project which is in turn made up of several smaller projects and it is anticipated it will be delivered over a 15 to 20 year period.

Town centre regeneration on this scale requires a comprehensive approach to master planning and land assembly, engagement with residents and businesses as well as investors and developers, and the careful consideration of how best to support regeneration from a planning perspective.

It will also require the coordination of public sector powers, land holdings and resources at national, Greater Manchester and local levels.

The Council can assist businesses in identifying alternative business accommodation to suit their requirements, through the premises search service, which is also available for businesses to search independently: https://www.stockport.gov.uk/commercial-premises/business-premises-search

The Council may also introduce businesses to local commercial property agents who can offer further support in identifying new opportunities.

Business development support and resources are available through the GM Business Growth Hub, offering expert one-to-one and peer-to-peer business support, events, specialist programmes, funding and a range of networking opportunities. The majority of advice is fully funded and is provided at no direct cost to businesses. The Business Growth Hub is directly linked to the Greater Manchester Growth Company. Further information can be accessed here:

https://www.businessgrowthhub.com/

https://www.stockport.gov.uk/profile/profile-business-growth-hub

Whilst the MDC is supported by Mayoral powers for the use of Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPO), initial acquisitions will be negotiated by agreement wherever possible.

We would urge anybody that is concerned about potential CPO or that is interested in selling their property within the MDC area to talk to a member of the team about their individual case.

Yes. The new homes will establish a network of integrated distance and desirable neighbourhoods which will offer a choice of homes in a vibrant town centre with unrivalled connectivity. The aim is to diversify the offer to complement the current provision in the area. A modern alternative to the existing choice including town houses and apartments will be provided.

We are also responding to identified needs including designing homes targeted at older people in a location well served by amenities. The supply of well managed rented homes will be enhanced along with the promotion of the area’s relative affordability compared to the other alternatives within Greater Manchester.