A brand new ’21st-century library’, learning centre, café and events space is coming to Stockport town centre later this year and we thought we’d take a quick look at the exciting project.Let’s start with what and where it is exactly, shall we?
Being sold to the public as not just a new modern library but a learning hub and ‘discovery’ centre, StockRoom is the upcoming government-backed community development inspired by similar multi-use spaces like the Storyroom over in Chester.
Set to open up along the busy strip of Merseyway Shopping Centre right in central Stockport and spanning across a 47,000 sq ft space with several floors just next to the H. Samuel jewellers and other vacant units where the likes of Next used to be.
The concept is to deliver an “innovative space for creativity, discovery and inspiration” but boiled down to the basics, it will serve as a new home and sister site for many of the activities and resources currently housed within the Central Library, as well as a place for people to meet, study, hone skills, relax etc.
How this little stretch of the high street looks now.How it’s set to look in the coming months.A surface look at Stockport’s new library, learning centre and free public space. (Credit: Stockport Council/AEW Architects)
How much is costing?
With kid’s play areas and a dedicated children’s library, a “high-quality” bistro offering and IT facilities; a multi-faith prayer room, arts and crafts zones as well as spaces for live music, entertainment and special events, this place isn’t coming cheap.
ADVERTISEMENT
Using funding predominantly for the UK’s nationwide Future High Streets Fund, which totals over £1 billion, the StockRoom was initially priced up at approximately £14.5 million when it first signed off back in December 2021, but has since seen costs shoot up as a result of inflation.
While projections rose to nearly £22m last year, after negotiations with contractors and an injection of some more funding from Stockport Council, the figure is now thought to be closer to £16.5m. Still a big and pricey project, nonetheless.
ADVERTISEMENT
The build is being designed by Manc architecture firm AEW. The new Stockport library will also offer food and drink.Credit: Stockport Council/AEW Architects
When is it opening?
Now, although there is no firm opening date for StockRoom yet, it has now been slated for an autumn opening date, with adjacent units like the old Next and the former 64,000 sq ft M&S site across the road set to be redeveloped by Greater Manchester property firm, Glenbrook, later this year too.
There are suggestions that the Council could permanently move the town’s main library to the new learning-based location if it proves popular with SK locals when it launches and were residents willing to back such a proposal.
With the vacant BHS department store also set to be redeveloped in the near future, the face of Merseyway is set to look very different very soon.
ADVERTISEMENT
The current Merseyway tunnel area will become the entrance.The latest CGIs of how the main space could look.Credit: Stockport Council
With Stockport being named Greater Manchester’s Town of Culture in 2023 and having once again been named one of the best places to live in the North West this year, the regeneration of the old Cheshire town and now thriving business, foodie and creative hub is making an exciting time to be in SK.
If you take into account all of the other new developments from apartments and hospitality venues to public spaces like StockRoom, the town is already looking very different than it did a few short years ago.
On the sporting side of things, the latest plans to upgrade and expand Stockport County‘s home ground will no doubt prove massive for the local community and surrounding Edgeley area, in particular.
‘Manipulative’ man jailed for life after setting ex-partner’s house on fire while she slept
Emily Sergeant
A man has been jailed for life after he set his ex-partner’s house on fire while she was asleep.
Nicholas Martin, from Leicester, appeared at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court yesterday (10 November) where he was sentenced to 30 years in prison after previously being found guilty of attempted murder and assault occasioning actual bodily harm at a trial back in September.
The 63-year-old was also made the subject of a life-long restraining order against the victim.
It comes after Martin, at around 5:10am on 22 October 2024, poured petrol through the letterbox of his ex-partner’s house and set it alight before leaving the area.
The victim was initially woken in the middle of the night after hearing her letterbox snapping closed and then heard a crackling sound which resembled a log burner.
Shortly after she realised her house was on fire, she proceeded to jump out of her first-floor bedroom window to safety, and although she survived the attack, she did suffer two broken ankles and a broken vertebrae in her back from the jump.
Very sadly though, the victim’s pet cat was killed in the fire.
#JAILED | Man jailed for 30 years after setting fire to victim’s house whilst she slept
Nicholas Martin (28/8/1962) of Bosworth Street, Leicester, was found guilty of attempt murder and assault occasioning actual bodily harm at a trial at the same court on Wednesday 10 September pic.twitter.com/pDj8Clh74G
Martin had been in a relationship with the woman since 2019, but became increasingly controlling over the years, and had been monitoring her movements by installing home cameras, prevented her from seeing family members, constantly criticising her, and even controlling what she could eat, wear, and watch on television.
At the time of the offence, Martin was on bail for a previous assault with conditions in place for him not to contact the victim and to reside in Leicester – but he left his bail address, rented a car, and drove to Worsley.
He booked into a hotel and waited until the middle of the night to execute his attack when he knew his ex-partner would be asleep.
Martin was arrested on 23 October 2024 at a hotel in the Lake District, where a can containing petrol was recovered in the hotel room wardrobe.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed he made no comment in his police interview and went on to plead ‘not guilty’ at court. Despite later admitting to causing the fire, he claimed he had no intention to kill the woman.
“Martin undertook a campaign of abuse against his victim lasting a number of years,” explained Detective Constable Zoe Bellis, from GMP’s Salford CID following the sentencing.
“His last act nearly resulted in a woman’s death and I am thankful of [the] sentencing result putting this despicable individual behind bars and away from harming other victims.”
Featured Image – GMP
News
Police issue urgent appeal to help find missing pregnant woman
Danny Jones
Police in Longsight and Moss Side have shared an urgent appeal to help find a pregnant woman who went missing from Manchester this past Thursday.
The 34-year-old, thus far identified only as Jessica, was last seen around 7pm on 6 November.
Believed to be a Longsight local, she was last spotted in the area heading in the direction of Wythenshawe, but also has connections to other Greater Manchester areas.
It has now been over four days since she was most recently seen in person; her friends, family and authorities are understandably growing worried about her welfare.
— Longsight & Moss Side Police (GMP) (@GMPLongsight) November 10, 2025
Described as a white female with long brown hair, she was wearing a big coat and leggings at the time of her disappearance.
While details like her height and particulars surrounding clothing still remain unclear, she is heavily pregnant at around seven months with a noticeable bump.
Obviously, given her pregnancy, she is considered a vulnerable missing persons case.
Sharing a follow-up statement after the original post was shared by Greater Manchester Police (GMP), Longsight and Moss Side’s neighbourhood policing team added: Officers are becoming increasingly concerned about [Jessica] and want to make sure she is found safe and well.
They say that “extensive enquiries” have also been received and looked into since she was initially reported missing to us.
She is also said to have connections not only to the borough of Stockport but people in Manchester city centre, as well.
Officers are therefore asking anyone with any info they think might be helpful; you can contact the services via 101 quoting MSP/06A3/000/1558/25. As always, in the case of emergencies, please dial 999immediately.
Danny Jones -
14th March 2024 
