The construction barriers have cleared, the cranes have gone, and Stopfordians can finally have a look around the interesting new Stockport neighbourhood which has been impossible to miss these last few years.

Weir Mill is nestled under Stockport Viaduct, just over the road from Stockport Interchange - and it's now officially open.

Since the scaffolding cleared, residents and businesses have been moving in since the end of August.

Already, the area boasts hundreds of rental apartments (with new tenants), some green spaces offering pleasant riverside views, and an eclectic selection of new businesses.

Apartments at Weir Mill around the main 'square' (Image - Nub News)

Among these new independents is:

• Rita Ray's, a bar specialising in women's sports - it is believed to be the first and only female-led sports bar in the north of England. Visitors can expect screens showing big games from a range of different sports, plus fantastic drinks choices and a lively social atmosphere. By day it will be a family-friendly spot, becoming more of a lively social hub with 'plenty of post-match energy' by night. There will also be events like quiz nights, book clubs, classes, and more.
• Bodega, a European-inspired wine bar, aiming to move away from formal, stuffy wine culture towards something more relaxed. They sell delicious wines by the glass, plus cold beers and charcuterie. There are also a wide range of bottles for you to buy and take home.
• Kontrol, a pilates studio, offering both reformer and mat Pilates (mat Pilates being based on bodyweight, whilst reformer uses machines). It is open seven days a week, offering a mix of beginner, intermediate and 1-2-1 sessions, led by expert instructors with a deep understanding of anatomy and movement.
• Hustle, a coffee shop serving speciality coffee and bakes, open from 9am-4pm. This business made a name for itself with its mobile van which has already toured Stockport and beyond bringing delicious food and drink.

Other local businesses due to open soon include Prologue - the new bookshop, cafe and bar - and the Jane Eyre, a laid-back bar and restaurant.

Weir Mill has been developed by Capital & Centric at a cost of around £60m, in partnership with Stockport Council, Homes England, and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.

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One of the green spaces in Weir Mill (Image - Nub News)

Cllr Micheala Meikle, Stockport Council's cabinet member for economy, regeneration and skills, said of the new shops and bars: "Seeing the first businesses open at Weir Mill is an exciting milestone in bringing this landmark heritage site back to life.

"For many years, Weir Mill stood empty, so we're incredibly proud to see it becoming a thriving neighbourhood, with new homes alongside independent businesses that will bring more activity, footfall, jobs and investment into the town centre.

"The arrival of these businesses is a clear sign of the confidence people have in Stockport and its future.

"As the UK's largest town centre regeneration continues to transform the heart of our borough, it's another example of regeneration moving from plans on paper to real change that people can see for themselves.

"We're bringing landmark historic buildings back into use, creating opportunities for local businesses and creating new reasons for people to live, work, visit and spend time in Stockport town centre."