Council acts to stem fears of leaving

THE number of empty businesses in Stockport centre is twice the national average and the council has moved to stem fears Marks and Spencer will be the next to leave.

According to a report 20.2 per cent of units in the town centre are vacant compared to 10.1 nationwide. It states the current north west average is 19.6 per cent although normally it is around 13.

Over the years Stockport’s position in national retail rankings has declined as other centres have seen major investment. This year BHS and Farm Foods are major names to have closed and Nicola Turner, council head of growth, has met M&S bosses over worries it will follow suit.

She told a central area committee: “I spoke with the Marks and Spencer manager and (under construction leisure development) Redrock has convinced them.

“I don’t think it is a cast iron guarantee they will stay but it is heartening.

“A recent report looking at towns in the north west had Stockport as one of the few towns with more (stores) opening than closing.”

It had been feared that the retail giant was looking at alternative locations for its store, including the Peel Centre.

Many of the vacant units are in the streets around the Market Place and Underbanks with Merseyway only having 10.8 per cent.

But Ms Turner said that redeveloping the shopping centre, alongside other projects, could breathe life back into the town centre. The council bought Merseyway in April, pledging to invest £35million in it.

She said: “It (the town centre) is not in a strong position, that is the rationale behind schemes such as Redrock.

“Retail has changed so much, people do their shopping online, it has got to be about other things people do in the town centre, for example with Redrock there will be a cinema and restaurants. We are investigating the redevelopment of Merseyway, watch this space.”

Mrs Turner said there were no details at this stage to give about the potential redevelopment.

Councillor Philip Harding said: “What is disturbing is the continuing number of closures in the town centre. I hope things are going to get better.”

Footfall is considered high with 10m visitors a year for Merseyway and events such as Foodie Friday proving popular.