Stockroom with a community view

Reflecting on first weeks of town's library and arts space

- BY DECLAN CAREY

IT'S the trendy new place to be in Stockport.

Stockroom is the town's new library, as well as a place for art, culture, events, families, and a cafe.

It opened its doors for the first time on May 24 and the opening weekend was celebrated with a packed schedule of events, and hundreds of people popping through the doors to check out Stockport's new cultural hub.

But Stockroom is also playing a role in the town’s massive regeneration, by bringing former shops back into use.

The building is based in Merseyway Shopping Centre, spanning two floors of what was once a Mothercare and Topshop.

What has replaced them could become a centre of culture for both Stockport and Greater Manchester.

"This place is what Stockport has been missing," says Max Chandler, left, an events assistant at Stockroom.

The 24-year-old has signed up to be part of Stockroom’s future, helping visitors during events in the new hub.

She added: "Everyone's very curious, a lot of people haven't seen the building or heard about it before, so they're coming in asking what it is, and having an explore.

"I think it's great, it's nice to get everyone together, we've got things for everyone here, it's nice that we've got a welcoming and inclusive space."

It's fair to say there was a lot of interest in the opening days of Stockroom opening.