Steve Cliffe

He and his late wife, Jean, co-ordinated the efforts of Stockport Heritage to persuade English Heritage and the Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council to support the purchase and restoration of semi-derelict Staircase House, a 15th-century merchant's townhouse, as the town museum.

The house was finally restored with a £4 million grant and opened to the public in 2005 as a living example of the development of vernacular architecture.

It has since won Civic Trust and architectural awards[which?].

In his book, Stockport History & Guide, published in 2005, he details the struggle to get the project off the ground.

In February 2018 Steve Cliffe was given a community hero award by Stockport Metropolitan Council for his role in helping save Staircase House and promoting heritage within the borough.