With new developments in Stockport town centre and a renewed focus on the A6-M60 relief road, or Stockport Bypass, there has been a lot of talk and focus on the changing face of Stockport. This is undoubtedly a positive thing and anything which makes Stockport a better place to stay, or which offers more facilities and benefits to local residents is undoubtedly seen as a good thing. The regeneration of Stockport is vital in bringing more people and businesses to the area and ensuring that the current residents are provided with a home in a local area that is fit for their needs.
Of course, while there is a need to look and move forward, there is also a need to retain links to the past. Stockport has a proud history and just because there is a need to upgrade and offer new facilities in the area, doesn’t mean that so many of the aspects that have helped shape Stockport and helped people fall in love with the town should be abandoned.
Obviously there is a great deal of concern about the closure of British Home Stores in the local area. The Stockport branch of BHS is supposedly one of the few stores around the country that is actually turning a profit, but with major sales taking place in the store and a growing realisation that as soon is all of the stock is gone the store will be closed, there is a lot of sadness for the loss that the community will feel. While the local council and JobCentre Plus are trying to find new positions for the employees that will lose their jobs, there is also a need to ensure that the famous mosaics from the store are retained.
The murals are a part of Stockport history
The building plays host to five mosaic murals and local council members have already spoken out about the need for these murals to be listed with English heritage. The murals contain images of farmers, clergymen and knights, providing a link to the history of Stockport and there are concerns that if the building is demolished or redeveloped, the mosaics may be lost. These mosaics are a part of the fabric of local life, and there is a need to ensure they remain in place or can be retained elsewhere in the town.
There is also a battle being waged by regulars at The High Grove pub in Gatley, Stockport. They are pitched against Hydes brewery who no longer deem the pub to be commercially viable and who would prefer to sell to a housing developer. New homes are important, but there is also a need to maintain a community spirit, and a pub is often the glue that holds a local community together.
When it comes to combining the best of Stockport from the past, present and future, come and speak to Spencer Harvey and we’ll be more than happy to discuss Stockport property and developments with you.
Image Credit: Sign Siren; When is a Sign Not a Sign?
For all your property needs, please contact Spencer Harvey Estate and Letting Agents on:
0161 480 8888
https://www.spencerharvey.co.uk