Bold new plans have been unveiled to completely transform Mersey Square and the nearby Bear Pit in Stockport for the first time in generations – creating a vibrant, welcoming public space at the heart of the town centre.
The proposals mark the next milestone as part of the UK’s largest town centre regeneration, building on the huge momentum already reshaping Stockport and reinforcing Mersey Square as a place where residents, visitors and families can meet, relax, walk, play and enjoy events throughout the year.
The plans will reimagine Mersey Square as a greener, safer and more people focused public space, with modern public realm, a play space in the Bear Pit, new planting, high-quality materials, and improved walking and cycling routes that connect the Interchange, Merseyway, the Underbanks, and the wider town centre.
At the heart of the plans is a sensitive and thoughtful transformation of the Bear Pit – one of Stockport’s most recognisable landmarks.
Once a historic amphitheatre that used to be home to bear fighting in the 19th century, the Bear Pit will be reimagined as a focal point within the new public space, retaining its character while enhancing safety, accessibility, greenery and usability.
The redesign aims to:
- Create a beautiful new civic space that feels welcoming day and night
- Improve accessibility with clearer, safer routes for pedestrians and cyclists
- Introduce trees, greenery and new seating to encourage people to spend time in the square
- Provide a flexible, attractive setting for outdoor events, performances and community activities
Funding for the project has come from Transport for Greater Manchester and United Utilities, with the money ringfenced to create this new look for Stockport.
Micheala Meikle, Cabinet Member for Economy, Regeneration and Housing, said: “This is an incredibly exciting moment for Stockport. Mersey Square sits at the heart of our town centre and acts as the gateway for so many people arriving from our award-winning interchange and these plans will turn it into a space that truly reflects the pride, ambition and creativity of our borough.
“The Bear Pit is a landmark that means so much to our community, and this transformation will honour that heritage while creating a vibrant, modern space where people want to spend time. This is Stockport continuing to move boldly forward.”
Cllr Grace Baynham, Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways and Transport Services, said: “These proposals show just how ambitious we are for our town. Mersey Square will become greener, safer and far more enjoyable for everyone – families, businesses, visitors and residents alike.
“The improvements to walking and cycling routes will make moving through the town centre easier than ever. The work will complement our award-winning spiral ramp that links the town centre to the train station while it will create a further access point for the Trans Pennine Trail and the recently announced Mersey Valley Way.”
