Celebrating high streets in Stockport

Navendu Mishra in Mersey Way.

There are so many incredible small and independent businesses whose creativity and unique character help make Stockport the wonderfully diverse town that we all love.

That’s why I’m looking forward to seeing all the responses to Historic England’s survey about the future of Britain’s high streets.

As the first part of their national conversation about our town centres, Historic England is this week asking everyone “What do you love about your high street?” and it would be fantastic to see everyone in Stockport talk about what it is that you most value about our amazing community. 

Throughout history, high streets have been our gathering places; centres of commerce, conversation and community. They help make where we live unique and special and are one of the most visited and enjoyed types of heritage in the country.  

However, they’re increasingly under threat from changing consumer habits, out of town shopping centres, economic decline, and redevelopment.

Despite that, research shows that 92% of people care what their high street looks like and 90% agree that it’s worth trying to save historic features when trying to improve local places, like Stockport Central Library.

You can share what you love until the 26th September via social media using #HighStreetLove as part of a celebration about our treasured local places. Historic England will then use these stories to build a national picture of what makes high streets like ours in Stockport so special, as well as to learn what matters most when it comes to their future.

I commend Historic England on this campaign, which is aiming to secure the future of more than 60 historic high streets across England as part of the High Streets Heritage Action Zone scheme.