A key milestone has been reached in the development of St Thomas’ Gardens – an intergenerational residential community in Stockport.
The final slate has been laid on the roof of the development’s highest point, marking a symbolic moment in the regeneration of a town centre site that has stood empty for over 15 years. The project has seen the repurposing a long-derelict Grade II listed hospital.
Delivered by Stockport Council, with funding from Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Homes England, the St Thomas’ Gardens site will be home to the Centre for Living Well – an 82-bed intermediate care facility with eight supported housing units. The facility – one of the first of its kind in Greater Manchester - will support individuals who are discharged from hospital but are not yet ready to return home, as well as those who require short-term support to prevent hospital admission, helping them regain independence in a safe and supportive setting. It will also provide residential accommodation with attached support services for individuals who need help to live independently.
Cllr Mark Roberts, Stockport council leader, said: “St Thomas’ Gardens is a powerful example of what regeneration can achieve - not just restoring a historic site, but reimagining it as a place where people at all stages of life can live well and be connected.
“This development sets a new benchmark for town centre living, combining homes, health and community in one integrated space and is a vital step towards our ambition to deliver 8,000 new homes in the town centre across the next 15 years. The scheme embodies our One Stockport, One Future vision - creating a place where everyone in the borough has the opportunity to live a healthy, happy life."
Cllr Micheala Meikle, cabinet member for economy, regeneration and skills at Stockport Council, said: “We’re proud to be breathing new life into Stockport’s historic buildings at the same time as creating new ones, with opportunities for all ages. Forming part of our ambitious regeneration programme, this latest milestone takes us one step closer to achieving our vision to bring about more affordable homes and places to live for our residents, building a brighter future for generations to come.”
