Stockport rooftop park named after landmark viaduct

The park will host various events after opening on 18 March

A new rooftop park in Stockport has been named ahead of its official opening later in March.

Based above the new transport interchange, the two-acre Viaduct Park is part of a £120m project to improve the town centre.

The name of the venue, which offers views of the town's viaduct built in 1840, was chosen from a shortlist of three suggestions after a public vote.

Local officials said "thousands of votes" were cast.

Councillor Mark Hunter, leader of Stockport Council, described the park as the "heartbeat" of a £1bn investment in the town.

"The winning name is a great nod to our iconic viaduct and it's fitting that the park will provide great views of this amazing structure for years to come."

Stockport Viaduct, depicted here in about 1845, still carries trains

The 28-arch structure, which is said to contain more than 11 million bricks, was built for the equivalent of £6.1m in today's money and still carries trains travelling on the West Coast Main Line.

A month-long light show will be held at Viaduct Park after it opens on 18 March.

The venue will also feature playground equipment and a new link to the railway station.

Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham previously said investment would "celebrate the town's rich history and unique character".

The wider interchange development, which includes 196 homes, is one of the biggest single projects outside of London.

Weir Mill nearby is also being converted into flats, and a new learning and discovery centre, known as Stockroom, will open later in 2024.

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