It has certainly divided opinion over the years, but the building has by now assumed an iconic status as a Stockport symbol. 

Indeed, the pyramid has become a bit of a celebrity - it was even the subject of a specially-written song earlier this year by Manchester-based singer Antony Szmierek.  

Last week, a new chapter in its story was confirmed when Stockport Council gave the go-ahead for a conversion to the Royal Nawaab Indian restaurant.  

But what is its background, and how did it come to be? 

Construction began on wasteland near the M60 in the late 1980s and was completed in 1992. 

Though it has always stood alone, the original plan was to create four glass pyramids that would make up 'Kings Valley'. But the developers went bankrupt before their grand plans could be finished.  

The lonesome pyramid was repossessed by the Co-operative bank, who had financed the project. They moved into the building in 1995, after it lay dormant for three years. 

It was home to the Co-op until 2018, when they put it up for sale relocated their offices to Manchester city centre. 

How Stockport Pyramid could look, once the Royal Nawaab conversion is complete (Image - SMBC planning documents)

The bankruptcy of its original developers, alongside the Co-op bank itself nearly collapsing in 2013 led Stopfordians to joke of a 'pharaoh's curse' surrounding the building, with many referring to it as the 'Valley of Death'. 

But, in 2019, its fortunes turned around and the iconic landmark was bought by investment company Eamar Developments UK after it went on the market for £4.5m. 

Last year, UK restaurant group Royal Nawaab announced plans to re-open the building as a restaurant, with space for 1,500 diners, 150 staff, a buffet restaurant and a banquet hall across three floors. 

After various stages, planners at Stockport Council gave the ambitious idea the green light on November 14. 

As Stockport looks to a bustling future for the pyramid, it seems the pharaoh's curse has finally been lifted.  

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