Stockport Council and Stockport Economic Alliance have launched the Borough’s new Economic Plan, at an event which set out the partnership’s ambition to grow the Stockport economy until 2030.
In 2021, the Council and Stockport Economic Alliance jointly committed to developing a new Economic Plan for Stockport. Over the last 12 months they have worked together with both residents and businesses across the Borough, who were consulted on their aspirations for the local economy. This valuable insight has contributed to the Plan, which sets out the shared ambitions and vision for the Stockport economy. The delivery of the Plan will be overseen by the Economic Alliance working in partnership with organisations across Stockport.
Held at STOK, the town’s former M&S premises and now modern office accommodation, the event included key speakers: Cllr Mark Hunter, Leader of Stockport Council, Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, Caroline Simpson, Stockport Council Chief Executive and Steve Oliver, Chair of Stockport Economic Alliance.
The speakers detailed the Plan’s ambitions for local residents, its impact on the local economy and how the Plan will sit within the wider Greater Manchester economy.
The Plan is broken down into four key priorities which comprise of six ‘big ticket’ actions as well as a number of supporting actions that underpin the Plan. It also sets out a number of targets and actions that are required and how they will be delivered between now and 2030.
Cllr Mark Hunter, Leader of Stockport Council, said: “I was delighted to be able to share our plans for the Borough today and what it will mean for our residents and businesses. The Plan commits to improving the lives of our residents and creating the right infrastructure and support so that everyone has the opportunity to access things like improved education, training prospects and career opportunities. There’s a lot to do but you only have to look around the town centre so see that change is happening at pace and the Plan will keep the momentum going.”
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said:” Stockport’s Economic Plan is a crucial component in helping to take forward Stockport’s inclusive economic growth ambitions, as part of a strong and growing Greater Manchester economy. The MDC is a great example of how Stockport are at the forefront of creating a huge transformation, with several major projects now underway, providing thousands of much needed, good quality new homes in a vibrant new neighbourhood.”
Steve Oliver, Chair of Stockport Economic Alliance, said: “How fitting that today’s event took place in a former retail unit which is now stunning office space, which epitomises the transformation of Stockport and the many businesses that are joining our growing community. Improved public transport infrastructure for example as detailed in the plan, will increase accessibility to affordable, reliable travel for people to be able to commute to work. It will also enable businesses to recruit high calibre workforce from across the Borough.”
