On the same day the government confirmed funding for the long-awaited Metrolink extension to Stockport, leaders from across the country gathered in Parliament to spotlight another major success: the transformation of Stockport town centre through the Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC).
In a bold bid to double housing delivery in the UK’s largest town centre regeneration, Stockport brought its model of brownfield-first growth to Parliament— pitching a national blueprint for towns to do more, with less.
The roundtable, hosted by Lisa Smart MP, brought cross - party members across both houses, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, council leaders, developers, and regeneration partners to reflect on six years of delivery — and the next phase of Stockport’s transformation, which is already acknowledged as the UKs largest town centre regeneration.
Since its launch in 2019, the Stockport MDC has overseen the delivery of thousands of new homes, the creation of a new Transport Interchange, the revival of neglected brownfield land, and the emergence of Stockport as one of the UK’s fastest-growing town centre housing markets.
The government’s Metrolink announcement, made earlier yesterday ahead of the roundtable, was welcomed by attendees as a timely vote of confidence in the town’s role as Greater Manchester’s Southern Gateway.
Now, plans are being consulted on to expand the MDC boundary to cover all of Stockport town centre, unlocking space for 8,000 new homes in total and doubling the borough’s urban living potential.
For Mayor Andy Burnham, Stockport’s success speaks to a wider truth: that towns, not just cities, can lead the next wave of growth if they’re given the tools and trust to deliver.
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: “What’s happening in Stockport is exactly the kind of ambitious, place-first regeneration that can drive national growth. Strong local leadership, deep public-private partnerships and targeted investment have delivered thousands of new homes and jobs.
“Stockport MDC isn’t just a Greater Manchester success story, it’s a blueprint for towns across the UK. That’s why we’re backing it and why government should, too.”
And on the ground, delivery continues at pace. Stockport Council has signalled its clear intent to scale up what works, with a sharp focus on housing, transport, public space, and inclusive growth.
Cllr Mark Roberts, Leader of Stockport Council, said: “Stockport’s transformation isn’t a paper plan — it’s happening, and it’s happening fast. We’ve taken derelict brownfield sites and turned them into thriving communities, with thousands of new homes on the way.
“Expanding the MDC is the next bold step — because we’re not just building houses, we’re building a future. A future where town centres work for people again, where regeneration delivers real value, and where councils lead from the front. We’re proud of what we’ve achieved — and we’re just getting started.”
Speakers at the event included Max King (Muse Developments), senior leaders from Homes England, and representatives from the private and public sectors. The discussion focused on accelerating housing delivery, breaking down barriers to opportunity, and aligning regeneration with the government’s Long-Term Plan for Towns.
As the roundtable progressed, reflections centred on what has made Stockport’s success possible — and why its story matters nationally.
Just over a decade ago, Stockport was ranked one of the worst places to live in the country. Today, it’s the Sunday Times Best Place to Live in the North West. That turnaround hasn’t happened by chance. It’s the result of long-term vision, cross-party commitment, and a shared sense of purpose between local leaders, Greater Manchester and national partners.
“I’ve worked across many places in the UK,” said Simon Marshall, Private Sector Board Member of the MDC. “But in the six years I’ve been involved here, I’ve experienced at first hand the profound sense of shared mission and civic leadership between all political parties and partners — it is truly exceptional.”
Nowhere has that approach been more visible than in the creation and delivery of Stockport MDC — a vehicle designed not just to plan regeneration, but to make it happen.
The roundtable also welcomed the government’s announcement of funding for the Metrolink extension to Stockport, a move that reinforces Stockport’s importance to the success of Greater Manchester as a whole.
“Thank you to Mayor Burnham for banging the drum with us,” said Cllr Mark Roberts. “We’ve long believed Metrolink was the right thing for Stockport — and it’s fantastic to have that ambition backed, both locally and nationally.”
Connecting Stockport into Greater Manchester’s fully integrated, zero-emission transport network will ensure that the town’s transformation continues — linking thousands of new homes, jobs and destinations into the heart of the region.
As Mayor Burnham told the roundtable:
“This is the blueprint. What Stockport has done is of national significance.”
The MDC model is now attracting national attention as a blueprint for place-based delivery, with Stockport leading the way on brownfield-first growth, strategic investment, and town centre reinvention.
With visible delivery, cross-party support, and national interest growing, Stockport’s MDC is more than a local success — it’s a model of what modern regeneration can be: bold, inclusive, and built to last.
Photo credit: Stockport MBC
