Stockport’s historic Underbanks is continuing its transformation into one of Greater Manchester’s most vibrant independent quarters, with a raft of new openings, restorations and residential developments cementing its status as a must-visit destination this summer.
The area – once dubbed “Stockport’s Soho”– has seen £7million of investment through Stockport Council and the National Lottery Heritage Fund, alongside strong partnerships with developers, local businesses, and the wider community.
Over the past year alone, 12 new apartments and two new shopfronts are in development at 25–29 Little Underbank following demolition works and St Mary’s Gate, by Hall & Co, has delivered 50 new apartments in the heart of the town centre.
Sticky Fingers, a much-loved Market Hall favourite, is expanding into 39 Great Underbank, joining new arrivals like Bruk, a self-funded wine bar from local entrepreneurs, and By Yon Orange, a new café on Great Underbank.
St Ann’s Hospice has benefited from a refreshed frontage to their charity store at 33 Great Underbank after sensitive restoration and Not Just, named one of the UK’s top 10 barbers by The Guardian, has opened its first Stockport branch at 35-37 Great Underbank – bringing its Manchester reputation to the Underbanks.
The former RBS building has also been brought back to life by new venue Underbank, adding even more choice to the area’s growing food and drink scene. A new chip shop will soon open next to Alfredo’s, while the building below multi-award-winning restaurant Where The Light Gets In is currently undergoing restoration with more details to be revealed in the coming months.
Cllr Micheala Meikle, Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration at Stockport Council, said: “We’re proud to be at the forefront of regeneration across Greater Manchester, and the progress we’ve made in the Underbanks is a testament to that.
“More businesses and developers are choosing Stockport and the Underbanks as the place to set up or relocate, contributing to the town’s thriving economy. As part of our ambitious plans for the town centre, we’re committed to supporting local businesses, and we encourage everyone to shop local—it’s a vibrant, one-of-a-kind destination and well worth a visit. To be recognised nationally by such esteemed publications as The Times reinforces the fact that we are getting it right.”
