Plans to build a new public square with offices and shops in Stockport have been approved.

The work is the final part of a development known as Stockport Exchange which is based around the town's railway station, with potential to build up to 100 apartments and space for new cafes, bars and restaurants.

It was designed to develop into a business district in the town, with direct transport links to both Manchester city centre and London via train.

The approved plans, led by Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation in partnership with development firm Muse, will see 245,000 sq ft of office space added to the area.

Previous stages of work at the site saw the opening of a 1,000 space multi-storey car park in 2014, followed by office blocks and a 115-bed hotel.

Since then, Stockport Exchange has attracted companies such as Stagecoach, musicMagpie, and a Holiday Inn Express.

Bosses behind the scheme say it has created a 'stunning new gateway' to the town from the train station, and is a 'central' part of a wider £1 billion regeneration programme taking place in Stockport.

A visual showing how the final phases of Stockport Exchange could look (Image - Stockport Council)

Despite concerns from Historic England that new six and ten-storey office buildings in the scheme could 'diminish' the town's landmarks, Stockport council's planning committee voted to give it the green light.

Cllr Mark Jones, chair of the council's planning committee, said: "I'm really pleased with this application. It demonstrates the success of Stockport.

"Those who have been around long enough to remember the station as it used to be several decades ago, it's like we're living in a different world now, and it's a world that I'm very happy with.

"We should be very pleased with what's been achieved with our town."

Cllr Colin MacAlister, the town hall's cabinet member for economy and regeneration, added: "This latest milestone is a significant achievement with the potential to also provide much needed homes in a highly accessible location."

Max King, project director at Muse, said: "It's the last piece in the puzzle for the blossoming business community that we've proudly created in the town.

"Still one of the most accessible locations in the North West, Stockport continues to prove popular with growing and established businesses looking for something a bit different that's outside of Manchester but still highly commutable.

"Stockport's wider regeneration and ongoing renaissance is only adding to this, making it a popular hub to work and live in."

Wider regeneration work taking place around the town includes the opening of the £140 million Stockport Interchange which replaced the town's former bus station, a new two-acre public park, and new apartment buildings.

Other schemes are also in the pipeline, including the £250 million 'Stockport 8' development to create a new 'walkable neighbourhood' with up to 1,200 new homes, as well as new green spaces.

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