Totally Stockport

SINCE the Stockport Business Improvement District launched last year, a colourful glow has begun to filter out across the borough.

The Totally Stockport ‘red coats’ team have been out and about again promoting the town centre and the businesses within the BID area.

At April’s Foodie Friday, the team were joined by a huge crowd eager to see Stockport’s newest and hugely popular export, Blossoms.

The home-grown band are fiercely loyal to Stockport and chose to launch their new album – Cool Like You – in their own unique way, hundreds of miles away from the bright lights of the capital and from an ice cream van in the Market Place.

This is typical of the people who are proud to choose to call Stockport home.

The way we use our towns is changing and in Stockport it has been proved that by offering something different, people will come for a new experience.

Plans are underway for the iconic Produce Hall in the Market Place to become a focus of socializing and entertainment for visitors, residents and workers.

According to a recent report, it is the likes of hairdressers, nail bars, restaurants, coffee shops and second-hand book shops that are dominating the new-look High Street, largely independents who offer a more sociable, personal service.

Stockport already has some real gems, especially around the Lower Hillgate and Underbanks, an area which is being dubbed Stockport’s Little Soho due to the quirky shops that are popping up along this historic street.

One of the latest to open is Rare Mags at 17 Lower Hillgate where there’s an amazing and eclectic collection of books, cards, magazines and prints, including some extremely rare titles.

Widely acclaimed and award winning Sam Buckley’s Where The Light Gets In, housed in a former coffee warehouse on Rostron Brow, has extended its offering: the Staff Room, another unique addition to the food and drink scene offers snacks and drinks.