Stockport has been named as one of the best “up and coming” areas in the UK to invest in 2022, according to a new list.
Each year, The Sunday Times publishes lists of the best places to live across the country and also names some of the areas it considers to be the most “up and coming” so that people keen to make a move can figure out where is best to invest their money – and for 2022, Stockport has given a glowing recommendation.
The leading national newspaper named the Greater Manchester borough in its annual list that was published over the weekend.
The Sunday Times pointed to Stockport’s close proximity to Manchester city centre, its wide range of housing options and neighbourhoods, upcoming developments, and bustling hospitality scene some of the reasons why it’s one of the best places to invest in the UK in 2022.
It also claimed Stockport is home to some of the region’s “most interesting people”, and is gearing up to become one of “the coolest little corners of the country”.
Stockport has been named as one of the best “up and coming” areas in the UK to invest in 2022 / Credit: Stockport CouncilThe Sunday Times says the borough is gearing up to become one of “the coolest little corners of the country” / Credit: Stockport Council
Giving a rundown of North West investment options, and giving a well-deserved nod to Stockport, The Sunday Times said: “It’s partly by accident that Manchester’s most interesting people desert the increasingly corporate city centre to outer suburbs in search of family houses, fresh air and better places than Piccadilly Gardens to walk the dog. It’s also part of a plan, championed by the Manchester mayor, Andy Burnham, to create town centres good enough to rival the city, with the same quality of homes and amenities, but at much lower prices.
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“The best example so far is Stockport.
“Only 15 minutes from central Manchester by train, and already a magnet for interesting independent businesses such as the much-lauded restaurant Where the Light Gets In, the indie bookshop Rare Mags and the Produce Hall food market.
“The imminent conversion of the beautiful Weir Mill, next to the Mersey, and the iconic railway viaduct by the leading Manchester social impact developer Capital & Centric into flats, shops and public spaces is the highlight of a £1 billion regeneration that will transform a historic centre that’s already looking like one of the coolest little corners of the country.”
Plans for the historic Weir Mill to be converted into flats, shops, and public spaces as part of a £1 billion regeneration project / Credit: Capital & Centric
Stockport Council says the borough’s recognition in this prestigious national list shows that “Stockport is going places”.
“These are really exciting times for Stockport,” said Council Leader Mark Hunter.
“All this investment will boost the growth of the town centre, which will in turn, create modern, innovative spaces that will celebrate the town’s rich history and unique character.”
The funds will help improve the already incredible music scene in Manchester, benefitting staples likes Night and Day Café, Matt and Phred’s Jazz Club, SOUP and more.
All of the donations will be distributed across six independent music venues and will be used for various instruments, PA equipment, backline technology and other necessities depending on the requirements of each site.
Elbow have teamed up with Co-op Live in aid of supporting Manchester grassroots venues.Credit: Supplied
This initiative has been keeping Manchester’s Northern Quarter in the forefront of people’s minds when it comes to live music as well as the impressive Co-op Live.
Alongside providing vital resources for these local institutions, Elbow teaming up with Co-op Live also helps cement the North West as one of the main powerhouses in relation to live music.
The latest efforts from the largest indoor arena in Manchester fall in line with celebrating one year of bringing some of the best live music to the city, being officially open for 12 months in May.
Co-op Live have made a commitment to the people and the planet, promising to donate £1 million annually to the Co-op Foundation.
The stunning Co-op Live venue, Manchester’s largest indoor arena.Elbow performing at Co-op Live, marking history as the first act to grace the venue.Credit: Audio North/Supplied
Manchester’s latest live music venue also contributed significantly to selected charities, including Happy Doggo – chosen by Liam Gallagher and Eric Clapton’s addiction recovery centre, Crossroads.
As Elbow teams up with Co-op Live, even more money is making its way to necessary resources, this time in the likes of crucial live music establishments.
Elbow front-person Guy Garvey says: “Playing Co-op Live’s opening night will stay with us for a lifetime, not least because of how incredible the room sounded.”
“When the venue donated funds in our name to support the city we love, it made complete sense to carry that through to the Northern Quarter and to venues that have meant so much to my bandmates and I throughout our career.”
Guy Dunstan, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Co-op Live, adds: “In the past year, I have been proud to see Co-op Live become an integral part of such an incredible city.”
“Teaming up with Elbow to directly support the venues that first put Manchester on the map, and to share something so intrinsic to us as venues – proper sound – is something truly special.”
Police launch investigation after a 19-year-old is stabbed in broad daylight at an Oldham retail park
Emily Sergeant
A police investigation has been launched after a stabbing in a ‘very public place’ in Oldham yesterday afternoon.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) explained that officers were called out to Alexandra Retail Park in Oldham yesterday afternoon ( Sunday 30 March 2025) at 3:25pm, and when they arrived on the scene, they found that a 19-year-old man had been stabbed.
The victim was taken to hospital with ‘serious injuries’, and GMP assures that he and his family are being supported at this time.
A scene remains in place at the retail park and some of the surrounding areas while the investigation is ongoing, and a large police presence can also been seen too as officers continue to collect evidence and piece together the events of what happened.
Police also believe the attack to be an ‘isolated incident’ with those involved known to each other, indicating no threat to the wider public.
“We understand this incident is shocking and took place in a very public space,” commented Inspector Andrew Clayton.
“There have been no arrests so far, but enquiries are ongoing to determine who is responsible. At this stage, we do believe the attack to be an isolated incident involving those known to one another.”
Alexandra Retail Park, where the incident occurred yesterday afternoon / Credit: Google Maps
In a bid to gather as much information as possible, a public police appeal has been made.
Inspector Clayton continues: “We have spoken to a number of witnesses so far, but would encourage anyone who believes they have any information or dash cam footage which could assist our investigation, particularly that which may help us identify the perpetrators, to come forward.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact GMP on 101, quoting log 1757 of 30/03/25, or by getting in touch with Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Emily Sergeant -
21st June 2022 
