The evolution of the high street: What’s new at Stanley Square and Cockhedge shopping centre

At Altered Space, we believe the high street isn’t disappearing - it’s evolving. As asset managers and developers, one of our core missions is to bring people back to these once-vibrant community hubs. Through ongoing research and conversations with locals, we’re tracking how demand is shifting and shaping developments to meet the needs of modern consumers.

High street footfall has begun to rebound, with a 5.3% increase in April 2025, helped by a late Easter and signalling a renewed interest. From the success of Stanley Square in Sale, now a fully let scheme, to our transformation of Cockhedge Shopping Centre in Warrington, our approach focuses on placemaking: creating dynamic, mixed-use destinations where people can spend the entire day.

The importance of mixed-use assets

Mixed-use developments are reshaping the future of town centres. According to a study by the British Property Federation, these types of schemes can boost local spending by up to 30%, compared to traditional single-use areas. At Altered Space, we've seen this firsthand in our work with communities like Sale, where the demand for more multifunctional destinations continues to grow.

Stanley Square in Sale is a prime example of how retail, leisure and lifestyle can coexist and build a vibrant community. This year, we welcomed an independent, family-run cinema that partners with a local pizza restaurant to offer food service directly to cinema seats, showcasing how businesses can collaborate. These additions encourage visitors to stay longer and return more often.

We’re now bringing that same philosophy to Cockhedge Shopping Centre in Warrington. Our vision for Cockhedge is a socially connected destination that goes beyond shopping. We're actively introducing a curated mix of food and beverage outlets, retail spaces, and upcoming additions in fitness and entertainment. We aim to create a day-to-night destination that drives consistent footfall, from families to pensioners and young people.

How independent eateries are reshaping our town centres

Across the UK, independent food and drink businesses are becoming key players in the revitalisation of town centres. Consumers are increasingly drawn to unique, personalised dining experiences that reflect local character, and eateries that offer these qualities are succeeding.

At Altered Space, we’ve seen this trend unfold clearly in our work at Stanley Square, where community-led demand continues to shape what opens next. A fresh new Vietnamese restaurant called The Pho Stop has recently launched, bringing vibrant new flavours to the area, alongside a bubble tea spot called CUPPA, driven by local trends and youth culture.

However, success in today’s food and beverage landscape also requires flexibility. Many independents are finding success by adapting to consumer habits, whether that’s offering home delivery or changing menus. At the same time, it’s essential to strike a balance between exciting new concepts and the trusted staples people rely on. That’s why, in developments like Cockhedge Shopping Centre, welcoming familiar names like Greggs, alongside emerging local favourites, creates a destination that feels both fresh and dependable.

Retail that reflects local voices

At Stanley Square, community feedback has played a vital role in shaping a retail mix that truly reflects local needs. While the success of female-led fashion retailers has been clear, one noticeable gap raised by residents was the need for a dedicated men’s clothing store. We’re excited to welcome The Joe and Co, an independent menswear brand offering everyday essentials. This retailer has already received an overwhelmingly positive response from the community and is also a clear example of how listening to local voices can directly support the success of independent retailers.

Alongside fashion, practical family needs are also being met by businesses like Petites Modes, a trusted local supplier of school uniforms, guidewear, dancewear, and communion attire - an essential resource for families in the area. These insights and successes from Stanley Square continue to guide our approach at Cockhedge Shopping Centre, where we’re committed to developing a retail environment rooted in the needs and values of the surrounding community.

The significance of community engagement

High streets are evolving into vibrant community spaces where people don’t just shop, they celebrate, recent events in Stanley Square highlight this transformation. In partnership with Waterside Arts, Trafford Pride brought families together at Canteena for a lively day of music and entertainment, including drag acts and DJs, which drew large crowds together. A VE Day celebration also attracted over 11,000 visitors, demonstrating just how powerful shared experiences can be in reviving town centres. There was also a Comic Con convention featuring iconic props like Transformers and the TARDIS, which attracted 6000 visitors.

Looking ahead, the high street will host a variety of themed events, from artisan stalls and DJs at the Summer Twilight Market to the upcoming With Halloween’s Scary Con and the return of the Hong Kong Full Moon Market also on the calendar, these events are helping turn the high street into a destination where people want to spend time and connect with others.

Stanley Square, Sale

Creating destinations people return to

At Altered Space, we’re proud to continue shaping high streets that are not only commercially successful but socially meaningful and built to last. At Stanley Square, we’re expanding on its success as a fully let, community-first destination with the addition of the boutique cinema, alongside further exciting retail offerings such as Joe and Co. Meanwhile, at Cockhedge Shopping Centre in Warrington, transformation is in motion. We’re introducing a thoughtful mix of fitness and entertainment, while also strengthening the retail scene with trusted names like Greggs.

Our goal is to build a day-to-night destination that welcomes everyone, from young people and families to retirees, and reflects the true needs of the local community. Through active asset management, steady lettings, and ongoing tenant support, we’re ensuring these schemes create high streets that are full of life.

To read more about our projects, check out the link here: https://www.alteredspace.dev/projects