Work to transform the area around Stockport railway station is set to continue with plans for a new public square and 60,000 sq ft of office space.

This includes a a fully accessible and landscaped approach to the station building, and space for shops, cafes, bars or restaurants in the area.

Known as Stockport Exchange, the area was chosen to become a business hub and gateway to the town, with its transport connections to Manchester city centre and beyond.

The £145 million project is part of a plan to encourage more people to live and work in Stockport in the coming years, as well as driving more investment and regeneration to the town.

Stockport council, working alongside development company Muse, has submitted a planning application for the next phase of the work – 4 Stockport Exchange – as well as for the final phases.

The wider masterplan for the area has also been updated with the submission of the planning application.

Stockport Exchange aims to provide an attractive site for businesses (Image - Alasdair Perry)

Cllr Colin MacAlister, cabinet member for economy and regeneration at the town hall, said: "Stockport Exchange has been an integral part of our £1 billion regeneration plans, attracting international businesses and raising the bar in terms of quality and design.

"The updated masterplan is designed to create further office space that will continue to attract new employers and jobs to the town but will also include high-quality residential development that will help with the growing demand to live in the town centre and enjoy everything that it has to offer."

Max King, project director at Muse, said: "We are already very proud of the community we have created at Stockport Exchange, which has become one of the most accessible and sustainable business destinations in the North West.

"Now that 1 and 2 Stockport Exchange are fully let and building 3 is complete and already attracting new occupiers, it was time to turn our attention to the next and final phases."

A consultation on the plans took place in February offering residents and businesses the chance to share their thoughts on the future of the area.

(Image - Alasdair Perry)

Mr King added: "We had plenty of great ideas during our consultation on what the outdoor spaces and public square could be used for, from natural green spaces to sit, relax and play, to live music and pop-up food and drink.

"Most people also supported the plans to include new homes alongside cafes, bars and restaurants, helping to build upon the existing, growing community at Stockport Exchange."

The remaining phases of work at Stockport Exchange will include an extra 185,000 sq ft of office space and up to 100 apartments.

Companies based in Stockport Exchange offices include musicMagpie, Stagecoach, and Holiday Inn Express among others.

The first part of the work at the site was completed in 2014 with the opening of a 1,000 multi-storey car park, followed by more phases of work.

Councillors have also called for work to take place to redevelop Stockport railway station, a move which could cost up to £65 million under the latest plans.

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