Merseyway celebrates 10 million visitors in milestone year
Stockport shopping centre is celebrating an incredible year with 10M footfall, the opening of Stockroom, six new stores, over 30 events and six national awards Merseyway is celebrating a landmark year with footfall topping 10 million - a 40% increase year on year, marking a major milestone for Stockport and underlining the centre’s growing role at the centre of the UK’s largest town centre regeneration.
At a time when many UK shopping centres are facing declining footfall, Merseyway’s performance reflects a fundamental shift in how the centre is being used, not just as a place to shop, but as a destination for culture, community and everyday life.
Retail confidence returns to Stockport 2025 has seen the Stockport shopping centre welcome major retailers including Danish retail chain Sostrene Grene and national retailer Cards Direct, alongside wholefood store The Grape Tree, tailoring business The Zip Yard, independent florist, Sweet Bud and CiC Plastic Shed with further lettings due to be announced in early 2026.
The centre has also successfully renewed or extended the leases of 15 tenants, retaining key brands including Santander, Vodafone, EE, Barrhead Travel, H Samuel and Halifax.
These renewals demonstrate yet further confidence from national retailers in both the centre and the town.
A defining moment of the year was the launch of Stockroom, the 135,000 sq ft transformation of former retail space has created the town centre’s cultural and creative hub, which has welcomed more than half a million visitors in its first six months. Stockroom brings together a contemporary library, children’s learning space, café, studios and local archives, establishing a vibrant cultural destination with dynamic event spaces designed to inspire creativity and bring people together. It also delivers a year-round programme of mostly free events, ensuring there is always something for everyone.
The impact has been immediate. Residents have borrowed or renewed over 30,000 books and overall book loans rose by 52% compared with Central Library. New membership has surged by 79%, with Stockroom adding 2,418 brand-new borrowers and successfully re- engaging 468 lapsed members, reflecting how the space has reignited local enthusiasm for reading, learning and community activity.
Victoria Nichol, Merseyway Centre Manager, said: “Having worked at Merseyway for the past seven years, I’ve seen the centre go through some truly exciting redevelopment and growth and reaching over 10 million visitors this year is an extraordinary milestone and a clear reflection of Merseyway’s growing role at the heart of Stockport.
“At the core of everything we do is our commitment to our local Stockport community -making sure everyone who comes through our doors feels welcome, valued and able to engage with what we offer. Throughout 2025, we’ve focused on delivering accessible, free events that celebrate different cultures and bring people together, from an East-West food festival to the largest gathering of Morris dancers in the UK. Inclusivity has been a key priority, with tailored activities designed to support families and visitors with SEN needs and the success of our Giving Tree initiative is testament to the way our local community gives back when they feel connected. This community-first approach has been central to Merseyway’s success and continues to shape our vision for the future.”
Cllr Micheala Meikle, Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration at Stockport Council, said: “These figures show just how far Stockport town centre has come. At a time when many places are struggling, Merseyway is growing, evolving and delivering for residents, visitors and businesses. This success reflects sustained investment, strong partnerships and a clear vision for regeneration, with Merseyway playing a vital role in Stockport’s continued transformation.”