Declan Carey

Stockport’s £1 billion redevelopment has transformed its town centre, attracting major private investment and national recognition as one of the North’s best places to live. The Mayoral Development Corporation model, backed by Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, has driven new housing, transport infrastructure and a growing business district. With the regeneration boundary recently expanded and 8,000 new homes planned, the approach is being replicated in several nearby towns. Burnham’s return to Parliament and speculation about a future premiership raise the prospect of this model shaping wider UK urban regeneration policy.