A major new regeneration project is about to get started in Stockport, which could be a massive boost to the town centre and create new jobs once complete.

Permission has been granted to turn the former Stockport Art College on Greek Street into a new workspace and social hub for local businesses, called Cheers and Smith.

Led by regeneration firm Cityheart, the scheme will be based in the grade-II listed former Metropolitan Girls' School building which will undergo a refurbishment while retaining the building in its original configuration.

Works are set to start this autumn and be ready for businesses to start using the space in about 12 months' time.

It's all part of Stopford Park, the £120m development to create a new neighbourhood next to the War Memorial Art Gallery.

The wider plans for the site will bring 442 new homes to Stockport alongside a landscaped 'Art Park' and public realm improvements.

The first apartments in the scheme are due to be released for sale in 2026.

Stopford Park is set to be the largest purpose-built apartment development in Stockport, forming part of the 130-acre Town Centre West regeneration district.

What the new co-working space could look like (Image - Cityheart)

The massive changes in Stockport town centre are being led by Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation.

In total, there are plans to build 8,000 homes on the way in the town centre.

Stockport council leader Mark Roberts hailed the progress being made with the town's £1bn regeneration plan.

"Our UK-leading town centre regeneration is about more than building new homes, it's about breathing new life into Stockport's heritage and giving our historic buildings a future," he said.

"Cheers & Smith is a brilliant example of that. This much-loved landmark will once again buzz with creativity and collaboration, bringing people together and creating opportunities for local entrepreneurs, freelancers and businesses.

"It's fantastic to see another of our heritage assets being reimagined for the 21st century as part of a town centre that offers a true mix of homes, jobs and leisure, along with better healthcare and transport links to benefit everyone across our borough."

Greg Ball, development director at Cityheart, added: "We're making great progress at Stopford Park and this milestone is another exciting step on that journey.

"Cheers & Smith will bring real energy back into this much-loved building. It's a space that has always been about creativity and collaboration, and now it has the chance to be exactly that again."