UK's Stockport 8 Moves to Compulsorily Purchase Stagecoach Depot Land

en.Wedoany.com Reported - On August 26, Stockport Council and Stagecoach have yet to reach an agreement on the disposal of land interests at the Daw Bank bus depot. The site is the primary development land for the first phase of the £350 million Stockport 8 regeneration project, and Stockport Council has initiated preparations to commence compulsory purchase procedures to secure the land interests needed for the project's construction.

The dispute centers on compensation for Stagecoach's leasehold interests in the Daw Bank site. Stockport Council documents show that valuation differences remain between the two parties after multiple rounds of negotiations. Stagecoach stated that the company is still in discussions with Stockport Council regarding matters related to the early surrender of the lease, which currently runs until 2046, and has requested that any arrangements not affect local bus service operations.

Stockport 8 covers approximately 8 acres and is being delivered through a joint venture platform formed by Stockport Council and ECF, which is jointly composed of Homes England, Muse, and Legal & General. The project plans to build up to 1,328 homes. The first phase has secured planning permission for 435 homes, of which 82 will be affordable housing, along with approximately 9,500 square feet of commercial space. The first phase of the project has also received around £41 million in funding from the Greater Manchester Good Growth Fund.

Under the land vacation arrangements, Stagecoach originally planned to relocate first to two temporary bus depots at Heaton Lane and Kingston Street, before moving into a permanent depot at Cheadle Heath. The existing facilities at Daw Bank were originally scheduled for demolition in early 2027 to release the site for the first phase of Stockport 8 construction. Stockport Council previously approved the temporary bus depot plans for Stockport 8 in March 2026.