The Art of Place. A Journey from Development to Destination
When Cityheart took on the site formerly known as Royal George Village in Stockport, the project had stalled. Beyond the previous developer’s financial difficulties, the scheme lacked a story, it was conventional, residential, safe, and ultimately forgettable. What existed was a development; what was missing was a neighbourhood with personality, one that could reflect the evolving spirit of Stockport.
Cityheart needed a full reposition of the development, a rethink of what the site could be and what it could mean to Stockport. That’s where Sheila Bird stepped in.
Placemaking First
Appointed early as strategic and creative partners, our first move wasn’t diving into re-branding, it was setting the foundations for meaningful placemaking.
The site had lost local confidence under the previous developer. Without rebuilding trust, no campaign, no logo, no signage would make a difference.
We focused on signalling change, starting a conversation, and reconnecting the site with its community. Hoarding artwork, a newspaper-style publication, and a public gallery exhibition created visibility and renewed confidence. The project wasn’t just being built. It was being reborn as a symbol of Stockport's growing civic confidence
