Ambitious designs to revitalise Mersey Square and the neighbouring Bear Pit have been revealed, marking the first comprehensive makeover in generations and setting out a plan to create a lively, welcoming focal point in Stockport’s town centre.
The proposals represent the next phase of the UK’s largest town centre regeneration, building on momentum already transforming the borough. They aim to cement Mersey Square as a place for residents, families and visitors to meet, relax, walk, play and enjoy events year-round.
The scheme envisages a greener, safer, people-first square featuring high-quality public realm, a new play space in the Bear Pit, additional planting, premium materials and enhanced walking and cycling links connecting the Interchange, Merseyway, the Underbanks and the wider town centre.
A centrepiece of the plans is the sensitive reworking of the Bear Pit, a distinctive local landmark. Once a 19th-century amphitheatre that hosted bear fighting, it will be reimagined as a key gathering point that keeps its character while improving safety, accessibility, greenery and everyday use.
The redesign seeks to:
- Create an attractive civic space that feels welcoming
- Improve accessibility with clearer, safer routes for people walking and cycling
- Add trees, planting and seating to encourage people to dwell in the square
- Provide a flexible setting for outdoor events, performances and community activity
Funding is provided by Transport for Greater Manchester and United Utilities, ringfenced to deliver this new look for Stockport.
Micheala Meikle, Cabinet Member for Economy, Regeneration and Housing, said: “This is an incredibly exciting moment for Stockport. Mersey Square sits at the heart of our town centre and acts as the gateway for so many people arriving from our award-winning interchange and these plans will turn it into a space that truly reflects the pride, ambition and creativity of our borough. The Bear Pit is a landmark that means so much to our community, and this transformation will honour that heritage while creating a vibrant, modern space where people want to spend time. This is Stockport continuing to move boldly forward.”
Cllr Grace Baynham, Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways and Transport Services, said: “These proposals show just how ambitious we are for our town. Mersey Square will become greener, safer and far more enjoyable for everyone – families, businesses, visitors and residents alike. The improvements to walking and cycling routes will make moving through the town centre easier than ever. The work will complement our award-winning spiral ramp that links the town centre to the train station while it will create a further access point for the Trans Pennine Trail and the recently announced Mersey Valley Way.”
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