Totally Stockport Issue 2 by TOTALLY STOCKPORT

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A Totally Awesome Day Out for all the family including CBeebies Mr Bloom, Dinosaur Park, Walking T Rex, Fashion Shows, Vinyl Fair and Makers Market.

www.totallystockport.co.uk

Welcome Welcome to the second issue of Totally Stockport, your town centre magazine, keeping you up to date with all the news, views and what’s happening in Stockport Town Centre.

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Totally Stockport is the name of Stockport’s Business Improvement District, or BID area. There are 278 BID areas across the UK, business-led and business funded bodies, formed to improve a defined commercial area, in our case Stockport Town Centre. Over the next five years, the team at Totally Stockport will be working on projects to attract more people into the Town Centre, more often. We will be tackling empty shops, attracting new businesses, helping businesses to save money, improving security and putting on more events. You can read more about Stockport’s BID – pop over to page 14 – and find out what we have done so far!

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With just over two months to go until the Redrock leisure development opens, Princes Street is bracing itself for a boost in footfall, and it can’t come soon enough for Jake over at Jake Shoes. When Totally Stockport popped in, he told us that this gem of a shoe shop has been serving the well-heeled of Stockport for 42 years, a business started by Jake’s mum in 1975 and thriving today. It’s good to see new businesses coming into the town too and bringing a little of their own charm. Tramp’s new vibrant hair salon has brought a touch of Soho to Little Underbank while both the totally unique Where The Light Gets In and vegan delight The Allotment are up for an array of accolades at the Manchester Food & Drink Awards. Look out for a full run-down of winners in the next issue and get a taste of The Allotment on page 26. Our first event, Totally Foodie Festival, proved a hit with the crowds – check out the pictures on pages 8 & 9. Our next big fun-filled family event - a Totally BIG Day out – is set to attract even more crowds and kicks off with a special visit to The Plaza by Mr Bloom and his veggies! It’s free! Doors open at 9am so hurry down and grab your seats before the show starts at 9.30. Walk among the dinosaurs and cavemen on stilts over at Jurassic Park in St Peter’s Square. Take a trip down a musical Memory Lane at the Vinyl Fair and grab a sneaky peek at the season’s latest brands on the catwalk at the fashion shows in Merseyway. Plan your Totally BIG Day Out on page 24 – and start saving money with the new Totally Stockport App. There’s always something happening in Stockport – plan your next trip with our What’s On pages while we start planning our November issue packed with more news from the BID and a peek into treats in store this Christmas in Stockport.

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26-27

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News

6-7

Fashion

8-9

Events

10-11

Interview

12-13

Jake Shoes

14-15

BID

16-17

Map

18-19

Robinsons

20-21

Events

22-23

Business

Offers

Heritage week

26-27

The Allotment

28-31

What’s On

Stockport remembers the air disaster Winter warmers The Foodie festival in photographs Steps are stepping out again Selling shoes to Stockport for 42 years Your Business Improvement District The Town Navigator A new beer from the brewery Classic cars and the Roughleys Show A focus on some new local businesses Get the app for great savings A historical look at Stockport The best vegan restaurant in the north? A listing for the next three months

Get In Touch If you have a story, news or an event in Stockport Town Centre why not drop us a line? www.totallystockport.co.uk paul.taylor@totallystockport.co.uk Tel: 0161 244 9896

@totallysk

Totally-Stockport

News

Merseybay pulls in the Summer crowds

hatever the weather, life was a beach in Stockport as Merseyway Shopping Centre’s ‘Merseybay’ returned for the second year running. Youngsters joined in the fun building sandcastles and taking part in summer craft activities while those who of us who are still young-at-heart sat back and relaxed in deckchairs at the free indoor beach. Located outside Specsavers, the Merseybay beach opened to children aged 10 and under from 11am – 4pm from Monday – Saturday and 11am - 3pm on Sundays. Each Thursday, children attended free exclusive craft workshops and enjoyed decorating beach bags, beach balls and flip flops ready to take on their summer holidays. And, just like at any other seaside town, ice-creams

Vintage Posters to star at The Plaza A new set of images, created to evoke the ‘Golden Age of British Travel’, feature scenes from across the region including Stockport viaduct and towns across Cheshire. The images, created by Chester based designer and artist Nicky Thompson, capture the many attractions of Mid Cheshire Railway Line. The works are inspired by the designs of Frank Henry Mason - one of the UK’s most popular railway poster artists.

were readily available in nearby Thorntons. Brendan Webb, Merseyway Centre Manager said: “Merseybay has once again been a real hit with local families. Just like last summer, Merseybay gave all children the opportunity to play on a beach come rain or shine! This year’s extra craft activities were designed for all the family to enjoy and visitors even enjoyed our very own Merseybay rock.” Councillor Kate Butler, Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration at Stockport Council said: “No matter what the weather, everyone enjoyed some of the great British summer at Merseybay. With something for all the family, it has been a fantastic fun day out and given new visitors the chance to discover everything that Merseyway and our town centre has to offer”.

Characterised in a vintage style with blocks of bold colour, the posters depict scenes from towns including Stockport’s famous viaduct, Altrincham, Chester, Delamere, Hale, Knutsford, Lostock, Manchester and Northwich. A set of posters were also produced featuring the animals at Chester Zoo. All 14 posters will be on display at The Plaza in Stockport from September 18th to October 9th. Postcards of the designs will be available for purchase in A3 and A2 size and pricing from £5.00 and £10.00.

Artist, Nick Thompson, owner of Chester design studio Lemondrop Creative said: “The posters draw on the work of Frank Henry Mason, one of the most influential poster designers of this era. In their day, these posters with their strikingly bold colours and experimental flat design were quite different and new. What is unarguable is that they were highly effective in creating an aspirational sense of adventure that drew city-dwellers to explore the countryside. I’m an Ellesmere Port lad, and as a Cheshire resident, it has been a total pleasure to produce the artwork for these posters. I hope everyone enjoys them.” Sally Buttifant, Mid-Cheshire Community Rail Partnership Ofﬁcer, said: “It is easy when you’re on a train not to appreciate what lies just beyond the station. We hope this poster campaign will open people’s eyes and encourage them to step off the train and explore just like the visitors did in the 1930s.”

News

Stockport

Remembers O

n 4th June hundreds of people attended a commemorative event at the site of the Stockport air crash to pay their respects to those who lost their lives and celebrate the community that came together on the day to help. The event was introduced by the Bishop of Stockport, Libby Lane, who paid tribute to the lives lost. Newly appointed Mayor, Cllr Linda Holt read a poem entitled ‘Remember Me’ by Margaret Mead before laying a floral tribute at the newly refurbished memorial site. The Council had also organised an exhibition at Stockport War Memorial Art Gallery entitled ‘Six Miles from Home’ which told the story of the tragedy with never before seen artefacts, documents, newspaper articles and photographs. Finally, a documentary, also called ‘Six Miles from Home’ was premiered at The Plaza. The documentary made by director Roger Boden and producer Ian Barrie with help from author Steve Morrin, tells the story of events from the perspective of the few survivors still alive and those who helped with the rescue effort.

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Totally S

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tockport was transformed into Foodie heaven in July when the Totally Foodie Festival arrived in town to offer entertainment, fun and of course food, over the two days around that monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Foodie Friday in the Market place. Wherever you ventured around the town centre you couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t help but stumble on something surprising, delightful and delicious. In Mersey Square there was a Cuban vibe supplied by a live band and food. In Merseyway there were big pans

of paella which distracted a lot of people going in and out of Primark, while at the Warren Street end of Merseyway there was chilli and bhangra dancers to attract attention.

St. Peters Square was probably the most dramatic location, with a Fish and Chips pop-up, a seafood offering and a mermaid story time. Most popular of all, given the weather, was the beach area where plenty of sandcastles were built over the weekend. The steel band were certainly not out of

place in the sunshine either!! Over in the market there was a genuinely educational live Chef demonstration area which provided great advice on cooking healthy and economical meals with the minimum of fuss.

Continuing on the circuit, you would reach Robinsons who were staging a mini-beer festival with accompanying live music, rounding off a lively weekend in the town which certainly seemed to delight those who came across it.

Events

20 years after the formation of the group that Pete Waterman described as â&#x20AC;&#x153;ABBA on speedâ&#x20AC;?, Steps are back with a new album: Tears on the Dancefloor and a major tour. This is their fifth album but only their second in 17 years and comes after a five year hiatus. The last time they were in Stockport it was to turn on the Merseyway Christmas lights but on this visit, a chat with Imagine FM was the object of the exercise...

Steps 20 years is a long time but you don’t look any different. What’s the secret? Faye: We’ve had a few breaks so we’ve been able to come back properly and enjoy ourselves. You went away in 2001 for a bit and came back in 2012, when you came to Stockport to switch the Christmas lights on. Do you remember that, Faye? Faye: Yes! We were talking about the other day, we had a great reaction. Lisa: The fans were all there, the audience reaction, it was amazing. It was Fay’s birthday and our master chocolatier made you a cake with a red stiletto on. Faye: Yes he did, oh my goodness! That was a brilliant night because there was a massive crowd in the shopping centre and we hadn’t really felt that for a long time. It was a big moment... That was Merseyway yes, and it was a big moment for Stockport as well. So what have you all being doing since 2012? Claire: all sorts really, we all go off and do our own things - a bit of musical theatre, TV presenting, running businesses.. all sorts, but it’s nice when we come back together because we’re completely focussed on Steps and what we’re doing with the band. It’s nice that we can kind of dip in and out. Lee: And we are most definitely IN at the moment. And you are definitely back too! Tears on the Dancefloor is your fifth album so how did that come about and how did you bag a track from Benny and Bjorn of ABBA fame? Faye: A couple of years ago we sat down at a brand new table, with a brand new management team and at first we didn’t know whether we were going to come back with just a single and we talked about an EP... Claire: Exactly, so it’s happened gradually and naturally and we had some amazing songwriters so we ended up with ten songs on an album. Lee: plus the bonus ones... Lisa: Yes, so it happened naturally and we’re so proud of the album - the song choices and how it sounds. It is a fantastic album, what are your favourite tracks on it? Lee: Neon Blue for me. I liked it from the first day we heard the demo and I think we’ve done a great job on it. For me, it ticks all the boxes of what Steps

Interview

are about. Claire: Yes, I think Neon Blue for me too. It’s one of those that when I first heard it I wasn’t entirely sure about it but as soon as we went into the studio and recorded it, it was instant love. It’s so nice to sing and I really felt something when we recorded it. Lisa: Neon Blue is definitely a group favourite but for me, I really like Happy. I’m really into my dance pop so the direction of that sits well with me. Happy and Firefly. Faye: Scared of The Dark was an interesting one because we were encouraged to use it as the initial single and all of us were questioning that but it’s now become one of my favourites. I like the drama of it all and I think it’s a great way to introduce our new music. But it’s such a dancy, pop album it’s really hard to pinpoint any of them. You guys have always been known for the big arena tours and the one coming up is humongous.. Faye: It’s 22 dates. We started off with 15 and they sold out pretty much straight away so we’ve added another seven. And we were doing 22 dates back in our peak, around 1998, so it’s really exciting to be doing something like that again now. It all sounds very gruelling, do the family all come along on the bus or do you have a Steps plane these days? Lisa: We could do with one... Lee: In previous tours we’ve had a bus and we’ve all piled on, so to speak. On the last tour the kids popped in to say hello and came along for a little bit but they are a little older now and in school. But I’m sure there will be times when the families are all there together, enjoying the show. And that’s what it’s all about at the end of the day, we see this tour as our baby and it will be a family environment. The fans make it a family environment too... You’re playing the Manchester Arena on the 2nd and 3rd of December so people should grab tickets for that if there are still any available and the album, Tears On The Dancefloor is out now. Faye: Yes and it’s out on vinyl too, have you seen that? It’s on blue vinyl, it looks amazing!

Steps performing in Merseyway, at the 2012 Christmas lights switch-on

Jake

Shoes

ust as Hillgate was once the main route into Stockport before the A6 came along, so Princes Street was the place to shop prior to the creation of the Merseyway Shopping Centre. Less than ten years later, a shoe shop called Jake opened at the Debenhams end of that road. This was 1975 and almost immediately Jake Shoes were streets ahead of anyone else. This is especially impressive given that Jake himself was a mere six years old at the time. “My mum was a hairdresser in Bridlington,” explains the now grown-up Jake, “She was very into fashion, she’d go down to London to buy shoes and clothes and when she got back everyone would ask where she got them from. So on one trip she went to a wholesalers, bought half a dozen pairs of shoes and put them in the hair salon window. She sold them within a week and made more money from that than she did cutting hair in a month. A few months after that she sold the salon and opened a shoe shop.” The family subsequently moved to Macclesfield and opened a shoe shop there. By 1975 this had relocated to Stockport and the new operation was named after the two-year-old Jake. 42 years later it is still there and, even better, Jake is now running it. “I always loved the shop. I spent my life in there growing up. My mum kept wanting me to take Saturdays off but I wanted to be at the shop. But I never actually thought I would take over - even though I had no real plans for what I would do. But my mum and dad went off travelling America for a year and when they came back they decided they didn’t want to go back to work we had to decide whether they should sell it or whether I would run it. I panicked and thought “Oh God, what would I do?” So I took it over. You would be hard pressed to come up with an independent retailer in the heart of Stockport to compare with Jake. For one thing, town-centre independent shops aren’t meant to survive through decades and generations these days. They get squeezed out, one way or another, so it is impressive that Jake has taken the fight to the corporates and by opening a second store in Manchester’s Arndale centre. Over the years Jakes has matured to suit its market. The shop caters equally for men, women and children, a versatility that has helped establish its reputation, “People know that they can come here and get fixed up with a pair of shoes. The whole family, mum, dad and the kids.” But the balance of the product range has shifted slightly over the years. What was once a comparatively small selection of kids shoes - essentially Kickers and Timberland - has grown considerably, overtaking the mens’ area because as Jake observes, “kids’ feet grow,

men will make do. We have a strong mix between ladies and kids dependent upon the time of year, so it’s about 40/40 there with men’s being a constant flow of around 20% of our business.” When Totally Stockport popped in to see Jake their shop was in a certain amount of controlled chaos due to it being peak Back To School time. This is clearly a significant part of Jakes’ business, “‘Back to School’ is always one of our busiest times of the year. We’ve spent years building it up and we’re really proud of our reputation. Because we’ve been here for 40 years, generations of families are now coming to us, in fact, some parents come in for their teenage children and say ‘I remember you serving me as a child when I was at school’, so that makes me feel really old! Every parent knows that they can bring their kids to us, get a full measure and fit service, never have any problems, and we always have fashionable brands and styles that kids want, particularly teenagers who can be way pickier than the younger kids. I don’t think anyone that comes in for school shoes leaves empty handed. I think we do well because we don’t stock cheap, poor quality school shoes, we generally only sell hard wearing, leather shoes which parents put their faith into because they know they’ll last the full year. We turn many brands down because they don’t meet that criteria.” Of all the brands they stock, Jake finds Converse to be pretty huge for the business throughout the year, with seasonal peaks for UGG, Lelli Kelly for kids (when the infamous advert airs) and Fly London for ladies. Personally, he tends towards Fly London for his own feet, “they’ve got a really strong men’s range at the moment, and they’re super comfy especially when you’re on your feet all day. Most of the girls [in the shops] however swear by Old Skool Vans. They’re massive at the moment, but that aside they all constantly comment on how comfortable they are for working in all day, and they’re also practical for running up and down the stockroom stairs constantly.” Jake was recently down at the big Moda show in Birmingham which goes a long way towards determining what people will be wearing next year. Did he see anything interesting? “Moda is always an interesting trip for us. Sometimes it’s great and we find lots of new brands, sometimes it’s just a case of seeing the range of our existing suppliers. If I’m totally honest, there weren’t any new brands that took us by surprise this time round, but that said, we do constantly get contacted by new brands who want us to stock them.”

BID

Working together to take Stockport from good to great!

tockport Business Improvement District the BID - falls in the heart of the Town Centre. Businesses within the specified area pay an additional levy on their business rates that will generate almost £2.5m of additional funding over the next 5 years.

people into the Town Centre, more often.

These monies will be specifically ring-fenced for projects that will benefit and add value for the BID levy payers and enhance the Town Centre’s offering.

The four main steering groups are: Experience, Business, Marketing & Digital. These groups are open to all businesses in the Town Centre BID area to attend where we welcome ideas and input.

The initial Business Plan outlined the BID’s priorities. An early project was to survey people in the ‘villages’ around the town centre. We wanted to find out how often people visit Stockport; why they are coming into Stockport – for instance: business, shopping or leisure. We asked those who don’t visit Stockport Town Centre what they would like to find here. The answers to these and additional questions have helped us to start to create a programme of work and events that will bring more

Steering groups, made up of business representatives from within the BID area, have been set up to help deliver the BID programme based on what people have told us they want in Stockport.

First priorities include: to make the town centre a safer and better place for customers and employees; to improve choice; to improve the marketing of all areas of the town and to make it easier to do business in Stockport.

Helping businesses save money

In May, Totally Stockport set up a partnership with Meercat Associates to create its very own Joint Procurement Scheme which uses the collective buying power of Stockport BID to help reduce costs. This is a Totally Free service to all BID members and, because no commission is earned, all financial savings are passed on. Just three months into the joint procurement scheme, eight businesses in the BID area have

already saved nearly £7,000 – not only recovering their BID levy payment but increasing their profits too! Savings can be made on Gas & Electricity, Telecoms, Safety, Pest Control, Car Parking, Insurance, Printing & Stationery, Training & Security, Merchant Fees and Car Parking. If you are a business in Stockport Town Centre, want to start saving money and increase your profits, email: savings@meercatassociates.com or call 0161 241 7401

It’s easier to find out what’s happening in Stockport Town Centre

It’s still early days in the life of the BID but through the website - www.totallystockport. co.uk it’s easy for businesses, shoppers and visitors to find out more about Stockport Town Centre: read the news, find out what’s on, plan a day out, look for a job, see where to shop and where to eat and how to get there! But like all great websites, Totally Stockport will evolve as the BID team gets down to the business of improving the town centre offering. Please send your news, events, job ads and comments to info@totallystockport.co.uk

Meet Totally Stockport’s BID Manager

ince April 1st, Stockport’s Business Improvement District – BID - has launched as Totally Stockport with an enthusiastic ‘interim’ team working to kick start some of the initial ideas to make Stockport a destination of choice. Now Totally Stockport is building a totally permanent team and has appointed Paul Taylor to the role of BID Manager. Mr. Taylor took up his new post on August 1st following an extensive and rigorous recruitment process which attracted applicants from across the UK. A staunch supporter of the BID, Paul is certainly no stranger to Stockport; he has over 30 years’ experience in marketing and advertising working in local and regional press –including at the Stockport Express and with national B2B magazines - he is currently CEO of Imagine FM broadcasting from the

legendary Strawberry Studios. Having started his own marketing and events business, Paul is perfectly placed to provide entrepreneurial support and advice to businesses in the BID area. Increasing the number and type of events on offer in Stockport to attract a more diverse audience on a regular basis is an integral and important part of the BID’s business plan. Through his own business ‘Shout Media’, Paul has created and managed events and festivals across the country. Closer to home, he has been pivotal to many local event success stories: as well as helping with both Bramhall and Hazel Grove festivals, Paul and the Imagine FM team have organized and presented the town’s biggest event for many years: Stockport Christmas lights switch-on, attracting thousands of visitors to the annual Town Centre extravaganza. Paul has lectured in management to graduate level and has a passion for local regeneration, ideal credentials to lead Stockport’s Business Improvement District at Totally Stockport and drive forward the team, working to improve the offering in Stockport Town Centre for everyone. Following his appointment Paul said: “I am delighted to have been appointed as Stock-

port’s BID Manager on a permanent basis. “Our focus is to make Stockport Town Centre a safer and better place for customers and employees; to improve choice; to improve the marketing of all areas of the town and to make it easier to do business in Stockport. We have BID member steering groups who are working collaboratively and developing their own ideas covering business, the customer experience, marketing and security. “We have great plans for the BID area and are already putting our ideas into action. Totally Stockport’s website – www.totallystockport.co.uk - provides one central portal for towncentre-wide information. “Both the council and the businesses within Stockport’s town centre are under no illusion that much work is needed to bring new occupiers and activities into the town. I and the team at Totally Stockport are excited and confident to work towards achieving this.” If you are a BID levy payer why not have your say and get involved at one of the monthly steering groups email paul.taylor@totallystockport.co.uk

HALLOWED BEERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S thy name It is quite well known that in 2013 a partnership between Robinsons Brewery and Iron Maiden - specifically their singer Bruce Dickinson (below) - saw the production of Trooper, a beer which went on to have huge international success. The collaboration between the two parties has continued with the limited edition releases of Trooper 666 in 2015 and Red â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;n Black in 2016. In October the third such short-run beer - called Hallowed - will be launched. To find out more, we spoke to Brand Manager John Robinson (left) about how the relationship beween these two unlikely bedfellows has blossomed and what we can expect from the new beer...

Roughley’s

Bike Show

Once again thousands of people descended on Stockport for 2017 edition of Roughey’s Bike Show, 18 years after the first, more modest, show took place outside the Bull’s Head in the Marketplace. After years of being shunted around various locations in Stockport, the show now seems to be happily settled in its Petersgate location, where it has been held since 2015. Apart from the main attraction - the bikes - there were bands playing throughout the day, a variety of stalls and a giant slide for the kids. Since the early days the show has supported The National Association for Bikers with a Disability (N.A.B.D), The Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity and The Together Trust and every year the show raises thousands of pounds for these worthy causes.

Stockport Have Your Say on Stockport’s Local Plan Over the next two years Stockport Council wants to have an open and transparent discussion with local residents and businesses about the future of our borough from now until 2035. From the land that is needed to accommodate the homes, jobs, new infrastructure and local facilities, through to services such as health, education, shops and enjoying our green spaces, we want to hear from you. Get involved at www.stockport.gov.uk/localplan.

Transport improvements continue Investing in transport is a priority for the Council as we look to make sure everyone can travel into and around our great town easily, regardless of how you travel. By 2020, the Town Centre Access Plan (TCAP) will have invested £72m into tackling congestion and improving junctions and road links, whilst also improving the environment for pedestrians and cyclists. TCAP work has already transformed Princes Street, improved many roads and brought a new cycle hub into Stockport town centre. Find out more about the improvement planned online at www.stockport.gov.uk/investingingrowth.

A Town

Looking for a job … try Stockport’s Jobs Fair Bringing together over 30 local employers who have hundreds of jobs they are looking to fill, the Stockport Jobs Fair is returning to Stockport Town Hall on Tuesday 26th September, 10am – 2pm, making it a must for anyone looking for a job or the next step on their career journey. Joining the event will be some of the businesses opening at Redrock who have a wide range of roles available. Stockport College will also be speaking about the training they offer at the Manchester Airport Academy. Organised by Stockport Council and Job Centre Plus, the Jobs Fair is just part of the Council’s commitment to ensuring all residents have the opportunity to benefit from opportunities and jobs being created across the borough. Advisors will also be on hand to help you with your job searches and online applications, so why not see if you can benefit. Find out more at www.stockport.gov.uk/business-events.

Helping local businesses grow Accessing the right support and funding at the right time is vital for businesses. To build on the great range of support already available to businesses in Stockport, the Council has launched a new partnership to help businesses start up, grow and thrive. Offering start up loans of £500 through to larger loans of up to £100,000 for existing companies looking to either diversify or expand into new markets, the Stockport Business Finance Scheme is a new partnership between Stockport Council and Business Finance Solutions offering a range of finance options to help businesses of all sizes grow and develop. To find out more about the funding and how your business may benefit visit www.stockport.gov.uk/businessfinancescheme.

Redrock gears up to open its doors As the building work on Redrock reaches its completion, the Light Cinema have begun their fit out, creating a new state of the art cinema for visitors to enjoy. Combining the cinema with restaurants, car parking and other leisure activities, Redrock is a great addition to our town centre and marks another big step forward in the Council’s work to transform Stockport town centre. The opening of Redrock is yet another reason to visit Stockport and be proud of our town, so put a date in your diary to visit the town centre this November.

Doors open at Stockport Exchange The second phase of Stockport Exchange has transformed the area next to Stockport train station, and confirmed our town’s position as a key business location. Cafelito and musicMagpie have both joined Holiday Inn Express and Sainsbury’s Local in the new business district over the past few weeks, bringing even more vibrancy into the area. The success of Stockport Exchange is fantastic. Within six months of work having finished, the development is fully let and Stagecoach are moving staff into the rest of the office building shortly. The development does not stop there. The Council and Muse Developments have plans to continue transforming the whole of this area.

Business

of Investment and Opportunity New openings across the town centre There is a real buzz around Stockport as our town goes through a once in a lifetime change. From the construction of new business districts, industrial parks and homes, to leisure developments and improved transport links, the Council’s £1 billion Investing in Stockport work is transforming our town. As the changes continue, there’s an almost constant stream of good news as new shops and restaurants open; companies move into our town centre and new events are launched. As tenants sign up and sold signs appear, it gives a hint of what an exciting time this is. People are at the heart of the work. As developments open thousands of new jobs, opportunities and benefits are being created across Stockport for residents and businesses to enjoy. Below is the brilliant Hatters Coffee Company on Bridge Street - check out their Facebook page for examples of the amazing cakes they bake on the premises. To the right is Tramp Hair Boutique which can be found at 28 Lower Hillgate. Owners Kristian Evans and Naomi Graham have incredible CVs and will be bringing a dash of rockstar glamour to the town centre. Check them both out, ASAP.

Heritage

Open Days

Events

Heritage Open Days is England’s largest festival of history and culture, bringing together over 2,500 organisations, 5,000 events and 40,000 volunteers. Every year for four days in September, places across the country open their doors to celebrate their heritage, community and history and Heritage Open Days is being celebrated in Stockport too where you can join in for free. September 7th - 10th

Discovering Little Underbank Little Underbank, SK1 1JT

A glimpse into the past along a unique historic road in Stockport. Little Underbank was the most important shopping street in Victorian times and we hope to offer visitors a taste of its former glory. We have volunteers to re-enact historic events such as one of the last wife sellings! And there will be guided walks and experts on hand to bring the history of the street to life. Saturday 9 September: 10am-4pm

Strawberry Recording Studios

Strawberry Studios, 3 Waterloo Road SK1 3BD As part of the national Heritage Open Day weekend, visit inside the building that housed the famous Strawberry Recording Studios from 1968 to 1993 and stand in the control room space where 10cc, Joy Division, The Smiths and hundreds of other famous artists recorded their hit records over a quarter of a century. Thanks to the generosity of the Chris Hewitt Museum of Rock, see some of the authentic Strawberry technical equipment placed back in its original surroundings and learn about Strawberry’s rich history as Stockport celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Studio’s formation in 1967. Free guided tours every 20 minutes. Saturday 9 September: 10am-5pm Sunday 10 September: 11am-4pm Booking essential: www.goo.gl/PT7Yi4 St Mary’s in the Marketplace Churchgate, Stockport, Cheshire, SK1 1YG Step back in time: a church has stood on this site for over 700 years but this year St. Mary’s is celebrating the 200th Anniversary of the rebuildling of the Nave and Tower. Pop in and enjoy the atmosphere of this wonderful Grade 1 Listed Building. View the 200th Exhibition in the South Aisle and enjoy some refreshments in the Nave Cafe. Thursday 7 September: 9am--3pm Friday 8 September: 9am--3pm Saturday 9 September: 9am--4pm Sunday 10 September: 10am - 2.30pm

Stockport Christadelphian Meeting Room Dodge Hill, Tiviot Dale, SK4 1RD Explore inside this landmark Stockport building and learn about its history and that of the church community that meets there. The building has served as a place of worship since 1875, including a short period as a Jewish synagogue. Since it was built, the surrounding area has changed dramatically, and displays will include ‘Then’ and ‘Now’ photographs from throughout the 20th Century. Refreshments and games will also be available. Saturday 9 September: 11am-4pm Staircase House Staircase House, 30 - 31 Market Place SK1 1ES Entry to Staircase House will be free for one day only. Delve into the past of Stockport’s oldest town house and discover how our ancestors lived from the 15th to the 20th century. A barrier-free hands-on historical journey back in time Saturday 9 September: 11am - 5pm No booking required Stockport Plaza Super Cinema and Variety Theatre Plaza Theatre, Mersey Square SK1 1SP Stockport’s 1932 Super Cinema and Variety theatre throws open her doors for a full day of free to attend events and an opportunity for you to investigate behind the scenes of this much loved Art Deco gem. Presentations are scheduled for 11am, 1pm and 3pm, no need to book, simply turn up on the day and experience the very best of yesterday today. Sunday 10 September No booking required

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Totally Stockport has launched a brand new ‘Totally Offers’ town centre App. Available for both Apple and Android devices, download the Totally Stockport App and start saving £’s from Stockport town centre retailers. Be among first to hear of promotions and offers from your Stockport favourites.