Stockport creative hub welcomes millionth visitor ahead of first birthday
Samantha Smith was just planning a school trip when the confetti cannons fired. Standing in the heart of Stockroom with her two-year-old daughter, Alba, the Stockport teacher was announced as the venue’s one millionth visitor—a milestone reached in less than 12 months since the doors first opened in May 2025.
As a regular visitor, Samantha was presented with a commemorative certificate and exclusive merchandise. For her, the space has been a vital resource during her daughter’s early years. “It was a godsend when my little girl was tiny; she could play and I could have a coffee,” she said. “As a teacher, children at my school and the community need to know about Stockroom, the free public access computers, and the library.”
Transforming footfall in Stockport town centre
The scale of the venue’s success has outpaced initial expectations, acting as a primary driver for the wider regeneration of the area. Stockroom is a central component of the UK’s largest town centre regeneration project, contributing to a significant surge in local activity. In 2025, the adjacent Merseyway Shopping Centre recorded its busiest year on record, with footfall exceeding 11.4 million visits.
Cllr Mark Roberts, Leader of Stockport Council, noted that the million-visit milestone reflects how residents have integrated the space into their daily routines. The venue serves a diverse demographic, from students revising after college and parents attending Storytime to older residents visiting for social connection. The facility has effectively brought life back into the town centre by offering a mix of culture, learning, and creativity that traditional retail alone cannot provide.
A community space built for connection
Beyond the raw data, the way the public utilizes Stockroom defines its impact. It operates as an inclusive environment where visitors can engage with workshops, browse the library, or simply find a quiet place to sit. Cllr Dan Oliver, Cabinet Member for Culture, observed that the energy of the space has grown rapidly, with the community treating it as their own living room.
This sense of ownership is evident in the daily traffic. The facility bridges the gap for young people who may not have had prior access to creative tools, while also providing a stable environment for community groups to meet. The upcoming Stockroom’s first birthday celebrations will further cement this role with a three-day program of free activities.
Three days of free events to mark the first anniversary
The first birthday festivities run from May 22 to May 24, featuring a packed schedule designed to showcase the venue’s versatility.
On Friday, May 22, the Dementia Disco takes over the dancefloor from 5pm to 7pm, offering a supportive environment for those living with dementia and their families. Saturday, May 23, introduces the Stockroom Cake Off at 11am, where local bakers of all ages can showcase their skills. The afternoon continues with a massive game of Musical Statues in Merseyway at 2pm and party hat-making workshops.
Sunday, May 24, focuses on storytelling and music. Internationally renowned storyteller Jan Blake will perform sessions for children under seven, followed by award-winning author and broadcaster Nihal Arthanayake at 2pm. The afternoon concludes with neo-soul and jazz fusion from The Page Turners, providing a relaxed atmosphere in the Living Room area.
Regular weekly activities for all ages
While the birthday milestone is a one-off event, Stockroom maintains a consistent schedule of free weekly clubs that cater to various interests:
- Dungeon Crawlers: A monthly fantasy roleplay club for ages 7-11, held on Fridays from 4pm to 6pm.
- Knit and Natter: A social group for knitting and crochet enthusiasts every Tuesday at 11am.
- Lego Club: Creative building sessions for children on Wednesdays from 3:30pm.
- Children’s Storytime: Introductory reading sessions for under-fives every Wednesday at 11am.
- Youth Night: Skill-building workshops ranging from Riso printing to badge-making, held every Thursday from 5pm.
Looking further ahead, the Stockport Zine and Print Fair is scheduled for Saturday, June 13, offering a platform for local creators to share their work and lead workshops. The venue continues to evolve as a focal point for the town’s cultural identity, proving that creative spaces are essential to modern urban regeneration.
Source: Stockport Council
Source check Editorial Verification
This report is based on official data and statements released by Stockport Council regarding the Stockroom cultural centre.
- Verified visitor statistics against Merseyway Shopping Centre 2025 footfall reports.
- Confirmed event dates and times with the Stockroom official schedule.
- Cross-referenced regeneration project details with Stockport Council planning documents.
- Source
- Stockport Council
- Scope
- Stockport
- Updated
- 2026-05-21 10:53
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