Plans have been revealed for a beautiful new bookshop which will double up as a wine bar and cafe.
Set to open in Stockport this summer, Prologue will come from the team behind Bramhall’s award-winning independent bookshop Simply Books.
Early images released of the new space show a huge wall of books before a modern bar space, where guests will be able to grab everything from a new novel to a negroni.
Prologue is taking shape at Weir Mill, the new Capital&Centric development by the River Mersey and iconic viaduct, which is bringing 253 homes inside Grade II-listed cotton mills and industrial-style new builds.
When it opens, Prologue will double up as a community hangout for readers, writers and creatives, with loads of different literary events, book clubs, comedy nights, live music, language classes and writing workshops in the plans.
As for the shelves, they’ll be stocked with everything from fiction and non-fiction to children’s titles.
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The built-in coffee shop and bar will be serving coffees and pastries during the day, then wine and cocktails into the evening.
Ben Johns, co-founder of Simply Books and Prologue, said: “We’ve always believed that bookshops are a place of connection. With Prologue, we wanted to create something special for Stockport – somewhere everyone can feel right at home. We can’t wait to get to know a whole new community of readers.”
Early artist impressions of Prologue in Stockport
Richard Spackman Development Director at Capital&Centric said: “Prologue is the kind of operator we want at Weir Mill, something that goes beyond its core offer to create a space people genuinely want to spend time in.
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“It’s about more than the books; it’s the events, the flexible use of space and the day-to-evening offer that will bring a different kind of energy to the neighbourhood.”
Lord Gavin Barwell, Chair of Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC), said: “This imaginative and experience-led bookshop is a brilliant addition to the growing neighbourhood at Weir Mill.
“As a Stockport grown business that has gone from strength to strength, attracting both authors and visitors from across the UK, it’s fantastic to see them opening another site here. It will create a space not just for enjoying books but for slowing down, connecting with others, and taking part in events, all within a really special waterside setting.
“This is exactly what regeneration should deliver: new jobs, strong independents and more reasons for people to spend time in the town centre, while keeping the character that makes Stockport what it is.
“Investment of this quality shows the direction we’re heading and the momentum we’re building, ensuring Stockport remains a vibrant, welcoming and thriving place for residents, visitors and businesses alike.”
Two arrested after assaulting and burgling 90-year-old woman in Stockport suburb
Emily Sergeant
Two people have been arrested following reports of an assault and burglary at a 90-year-old woman’s home in a Stockport suburb.
While en-route to the incident in Heald Green – which was reported to Greater Manchester Police (GMP) at around 2:30am on 29 October – officers located the victim’s vehicle being driven by an unknown man.
The stolen vehicle made off from police before it lost control, went up a grass verge, and collided with a stationary vehicle.
Police confirmed that a white British man, aged 41, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of a burglary and serious assault, while a white British woman, aged 47, was also later arrested on suspicion of burglary and serious assault – with both remaining in custody for questioning.
The victim, a 90-year-old woman, was taken to hospital for treatment and is being supported by specialist officers, although luckily, her injuries are not life-threatening.
Enquiries are now ongoing, and officers are working to establish the full circumstances of the shocking incident.
“This was undoubtedly a traumatic experience for the victim, and we have specialist officers supporting her through this investigation,” explained Detective Inspector Craig Turner, from Stockport CID.
“This was a violent burglary and thanks to the brave victim reporting it, our officers made two swift arrests with the suspects taken into police custody to be interviewed.
“We believe this was a targeted attack and there is no wider risk to the community. Extra patrols of officers have been deployed to the area to offer reassurance to members of the community. Please let them know if you have any concerns.
“We are committed to tackling dangerous offenders and keeping our communities safe from harm.”
Featured Image – Rawpixel
Stockport
Stockport’s ‘spectacular’ Christmas festival to return with FREE shows and hundreds of performers
Emily Sergeant
Stockport will soon be looking festive, as more than 50 free shows and hundreds of performers descend on the town centre.
Back by popular demand for its fourth year to kick off Christmas in style, especially after the inaugural event resulted in the busiest Sunday for the Greater Manchester town’s centre since 2019, Stockport’s Spectacular Sunday will be returning next month for a one-day festival packed with magical street theatre, banging brass bands, carnival fun, and loads more.
Hundreds of captivating performers will take over Stockport for the day, and 2026’s lineup promising something for the whole family.
Think a giant snow lion, a circus adventure into space, the world’s smallest nightclub, and so much more – with more than 50 free shows and activities to enjoy all day long.
Stockport’s Christmas festival will be returning with free shows and hundreds of performers next month / Credit: Matthew Nichol (Supplied)
Produced by renowned carnival arts organisation, Global Grooves, and organised by Stockport Council, Totally Stockport, Merseyway, and Stockport Market, the town centre will be buzzing with Christmas excitement from midday right through to 5pm, as performers take over iconic Stockport locations.
You can head to places like Market Place, the Underbanks, Merseyway, Redrock, and Suffragette Square to make the most of all the festive fun.
Streets and squares will become stages for larger-than-life puppets, mischievous comedy, and live music, all building to a ‘showstopping’ parade finale featuring more than 100 drummers, and a Christmas lights switch-on at 4:45pm.
Festive bands will provide plenty of Christmas cheer throughout the day.
“It’s fantastic to see Stockport’s Spectacular Sunday return for a fourth year,” commented Cllr Micheala Meikle, who is the Cabinet Member for Economy, Regeneration and Skills at Stockport Council.
“The event has become a much-loved part of Christmas in Stockport, bringing together creativity, community spirit and plenty of festive cheer.
“It’s also a great opportunity to experience everything our town centre has to offer, from our historic Market Place and Underbanks to the vibrant spaces that are helping bring more people together in Stockport.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming residents and visitors for what promises to be another memorable start to the festive season.”
Stockport’s Spectacular Sunday 2026 is taking over the town centre next month on Sunday 15 November from 12pm onwards, and it’s free for all to attend.
Daisy Jackson -
11th June 2026 
