After years of construction, Stockport's new Weir Mill neighbourhood is getting ready to start welcoming visitors and residents.

The development, based around a historic riverside cotton mill nestled underneath Stockport Viaduct, features a range of new bars, shops, restaurants and more, plus 253 apartments.

And the next few days will see some of these new venues opening their doors for the first time.

The new venues opening at Weir Mill this August

Rita Ray's, a new bar specialising in women's sports, is now open and serving customers. 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 new European-inspired wine bar, will be opening at Weir Mill on Friday 21 August from 2pm.

Bodega aims to move away from formal, stuffy wine culture towards something more relaxed.

They'll be selling delicious wines by the glass, plus cold beers and charcuterie. There will also be a wide range of bottles for you to buy and take home.

Kontrol, the new pilates studio, will be opening just days later on Monday 24 August.

It will offer both reformer and mat Pilates (mat Pilates being based on bodyweight, whilst reformer uses machines).

It will be 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.

When do the new apartments open for residents?

The 'residential launch' of Weir Mill will be Saturday 22 August.

On this day, the public will get the chance to see inside the new homes and have a nosy around the new neighbourhood.

The homes will be to rent.

The apartment complex will also feature a mini cinema, a rooftop garden, a gym, co-working spaces, a lounge, and a dining room.

What more do you need to know about Weir Mill?

Weir Mill has been developed by Capital & Centric, in partnership with Stockport Council, Homes England, and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.

Anthony Powell, head of work and social at Capital&Centric, said: "We've been talking about the line-up at Weir Mill for a while now, so it feels great to finally be at the point where our doors are opening. And we're just getting started.

"With the residential launch on Saturday 22 August and the full food and drink line-up coming together in October, Weir Mill will really be able to show Stockport's residents and visitors what it's all about. A neighbourhood where you can work out in the morning, grab some food, meet your mates for a glass of wine or settle in for a Sunday roast in the afternoon."

Cllr Micheala Meikle, Stockport Council's cabinet member for economy, regeneration and skills, said:  "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."

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