Stockport’s Stockroom hits one million visits ahead of first birthday

Mark Higgins Author 2026-05-21 10:54 4 min read

Modern library interior featuring tiered white bookshelves, large columns, and people in community seating areas.

Contents

Local teacher surprised as millionth visitor
Driving footfall in Stockport town centre
Full schedule for the first birthday weekend
Ongoing creative clubs and community sessions

Samantha Smith was simply planning a half-term trip for her pupils when she was met with cheers and confetti at the entrance of Stockroom. The Stockport schoolteacher, visiting with her two-year-old daughter Alba, was revealed as the one millionth person to walk through the doors of the town’s creative and cultural hub since it opened in May 2025.

This milestone was reached in under a year, cementing the venue’s position as a central pillar of the town’s ongoing regeneration. For Smith, a regular visitor who used the space frequently when her daughter was younger, the surprise included a commemorative certificate and exclusive merchandise, but the real value lies in the facility itself.

Local teacher surprised as millionth visitor

As a regular at the hub, Smith highlighted how the space serves as a vital resource for both families and educators. She noted that the free public access computers, the library, and the play areas provided a “godsend” during her daughter’s infancy. Her visit to arrange a school trip underscores the venue’s role in local education and community outreach.

The success of the venue has exceeded initial projections. Since its launch, it has become a destination for reading, workshops, and social connection, drawing in a diverse demographic from students revising for exams to older residents meeting for a chat.

Driving footfall in Stockport town centre

The impact of the hub extends beyond its own walls. Its presence has significantly boosted activity across the wider town centre, contributing to Merseyway Shopping Centre recording its busiest year in 2025 with over 11.4 million visits. Cllr Mark Roberts, Leader of Stockport Council, stated that the million-visit milestone belongs to the residents who have made the space part of their daily lives.

Cllr Dan Oliver, Cabinet Member for Culture, remarked on the energy of the space, noting that the community has treated the venue as their own. Whether visitors arrive for a quiet coffee, a creative workshop, or to browse the library, the high volume of traffic suggests a successful model for culture-led regeneration in Greater Manchester.

Full schedule for the first birthday weekend

The milestone arrives just as the venue prepares for a three-day party for its first anniversary from May 22 to 24. The celebrations include a variety of free events designed to showcase the different facets of the hub’s programming.

Friday, May 22
* Dementia Disco (5pm – 7pm): A partnership event providing a supportive dancefloor for people living with dementia and their families. Booking is required.

Saturday, May 23
* Stockroom Cake Off (11am – 12.30pm): A birthday-themed baking competition open to all ages. Participants must register in advance.
* Massive Musical Statues (2pm – 3pm): A large-scale version of the party classic taking over Merseyway, hosted by Red Rodeo Club.
* Party Hat Making (1pm – 5pm): A drop-in creative session for all ages.

Sunday, May 24
* Storytime Specials: Featuring internationally renowned storyteller Jan Blake (under 5s at 11.15am; ages 5-7 at 12 noon) and author Nihal Arthanayake (2pm). Booking is required.
* Live Music (1.30pm – 3.30pm): Neo-soul and jazz fusion from The Page Turners in the Living Room area.
* Party Puppets (11.30am – 3.15pm): A children’s creative workshop led by Caroline Coates.

Ongoing creative clubs and community sessions

Beyond the anniversary celebrations, the hub maintains a consistent programme of free weekly activities. These sessions are designed to foster long-term skills and community bonds among Stockport residents.

Dungeon Crawlers: A monthly fantasy roleplay club for children aged 7-11, held on Fridays from 4pm to 6pm.
Knit and Natter: A weekly gathering for knitting and crochet enthusiasts of all skill levels, every Tuesday at 11am.
Lego Club: An after-school creative session held every Wednesday from 3.30pm.
Youth Night: A Thursday evening session (from 5pm) focusing on creative skills like Riso printing and badge-making.
Stockport Zine and Print Fair: Scheduled for Saturday, June 13, this event offers workshops and a marketplace for local independent creators.

Residents can book tickets and view the full programme of events through the venue’s official website or by following their social media channels.

Source: Stockport Council