A key milestone has been reached in the transformation of St Thomas’ Gardens – an intergenerational residential community in Stockport that is repurposing a long-derelict Grade II listed hospital into a new neighbourhood.
The final slate has now been laid on the roof of the development’s highest point, marking a symbolic moment in the regeneration of a site that has stood empty for over 15 years on Shaw Heath in the town centre.
Delivered by Stockport Council, with funding from Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Homes England, the St Thomas’ Gardens site will be home to the Centre for Living Well – an 82-bed intermediate care facility with eight supported housing units. The facility – one of the first of its kind in Greater Manchester – will support individuals who are discharged from hospital but aren’t yet ready to return home, as well as those who require short-term support to prevent hospital admission, helping them regain independence in a safe and supportive setting. It will also provide residential accommodation with attached support services for individuals who need help to live independently.
St Thomas’ Centre for Living Well is expected to be complete by early 2027. Meanwhile, the council is working to advance the next phase of development, which will introduce 68 new, high-quality homes, including affordable housing.
Cllr Mark Roberts, Stockport Council Leader, said: “St Thomas’ Gardens is a powerful example of what regeneration can achieve – not just restoring a historic site, but reimagining it as a place where people at all stages of life can live well and be connected.
“This development sets a new benchmark for town centre living, combining homes, health and community in one integrated space and is a vital step towards our ambition to deliver 8,000 new homes in the town centre across the next 15 years. The scheme embodies our One Stockport, One Future vision – creating a place where everyone in the borough has the opportunity to live a healthy, happy life.”
