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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Daughter pays heartbreaking tribute to dad at centre of Salford murder investigation
Daisy Jackson
The daughter of a man who died in Salford last week has paid a heartbreaking tribute to her ‘beloved dad’, who is now at the centre of a murder investigation.
44-year-old Mohamed Omar was found at an address after officers were called to Great Clowes Street at round 7.50pm on Tuesday 6 October.
He was unresponsive at the time officers arrived, and despite the efforts of emergency services and medical professionals, died a short while later.
Five men, aged between 24 and 35-years-old, were arrested on suspicion of murder and have since been bailed while enquiries continue.
Now, Mohamed’s daughter has paid a heartbreaking tribute to her father, describing him as someone who could ‘light up a room’.
She said: “To my beloved Dad. You were loved so much, not just by me, but by everyone you crossed paths with.
“You worked so hard throughout your life, always giving so much of yourself to the people around you. You had an energy that could light up a room, and no matter what, you could always make someone laugh.
“No one deserves to have their life taken. You were taken from us far too soon, and it hurts knowing there was still so much more for us both to experience together. You have left a mark on us all, and it still feels surreal knowing you are gone. I wish we had more time together.
“I hope you are in a better place, resting peacefully with Nanna and Grandad. I hope you know how much I love you and that I always will. You will live in my heart forever. Until we meet again, Dad. From your daughter, Layla.”
Also paying tribute is one of Mohamed’s friends, who said: “I still can’t believe you’ve been taken from us. I never imagined I would have to face a world without you in it. You weren’t just my best friend; you were family, someone who held a special place in my heart that nobody could ever replace.
“My heart is broken knowing that you’re no longer here with us. There are so many things I wish I could say to you, so many memories I wish we could make, and so many moments I wish I could have back.
“You didn’t deserve what happened to you. I will carry your memory with me for the rest of my life, and no matter how much time passes, you will never be forgotten.
“Rest peacefully, my best friend. Until we meet again, you will forever have a place in my heart. I love you always, and I will miss you more than words could ever explain. From your brother Lee Yassein.”
Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact police. Reports can be made via 101, the LiveChat function on our website , or through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Police issue urgent appeal after three-vehicle collision on M62 leaves woman ‘seriously injured’
Emily Sergeant
Police have issued an urgent appeal to the public following a collision involving three vehicles on the M62 over the weekend.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) explained that, at approximately 10:10pm this past Saturday (10 October), officers received reports of a collision involving three vehicles on the westbound carriageway between Junctions 20 and 21 of the M62 motorway.
A large emergency services response attended the scene – including colleagues from the North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS), as well as GMP.
When they arrived on the scene, they found that a woman in her has 60s sustained ‘serious injuries’, and at this time, she remains in hospital for treatment.
Initial police enquiries have indicated that a Mercedes van was involved in a collision with a Volvo, which subsequently collided with a Vauxhall Insignia.
A 20-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, and remains in custody for questioning.
While enquires are ongoing, officers from GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit are appealing for witnesses, or anyone with information, to come forward, and say they are particularly keen to hear from anyone who witnessed the collision or who has dashcam footage from the area around the time of the incident.
Can you help? Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact police via 101 or through the Live Chat service at gmp.police.uk, quoting incident number 3374 of 10/10/26.
Information can also be provided directly to the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0161 856 4741, or alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Featured Image – Simon Brace (via Wikimedia Commons)
Danny Jones -
14th March 2024 
