A new riverside neighbourhood is opening soon, just outside Stockport town centre.

Doubtless you'll have seen it taking shape already if you've passed through the town centre recently.

It's called Weir Mill - a new development comprising homes, restaurants, bars and shops, based around the former 18th-century cotton mill overlooking the River Mersey.

And with the neighbourhood due to open later this year, excitement is building for the new businesses which will be opening on site.

Here are the ones that have been confirmed so far. They're expected to open in waves throughout late 2026.

The Social Osteria - an Italian restaurant

The restaurant is brought by the same team behind Poynton's 'Social Trattoria', already popular with locals for its inviting ambience and authentic cuisine.

It will be based at The East Mill, with plans for an al-fresco dining area close to the waterside.

Taking inspiration from traditional Italian taverns, the design will feature warm lighting, rustic brickwork and vaulted ceilings.

Will Okill, Co-Founder of Social Osteria said: "You can't help falling in love with this building, and that's what happened when I walked into Weir Mill.

"It was stripped back to its bare bones, but the atmosphere was already there, you could feel the character. And then the outdoor space overlooking the river sealed it.

"As soon as I saw it, I could picture what we'd create here."

Kontrol - a Pilates studio

'Kontrol' is a new Pilates studio opening at Weir Mill.

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

The Kontrol studio will repurpose the historic industrial space, reworking it into a calming double-height room fitted out with luxury Pilates equipment.

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.

Vanessa Lees, Founder of Kontrol, said: "I grew up in Stockport so it's not only really exciting to be part of the Weir Mill development but also to watch the town evolve and grow.

"We're really looking to welcoming both Stockport residents and workers to our studio. Pilates isn't just a form of exercise, it's a discipline.

Rita Ray's - a bar specialising in women's sports

'Rita Ray's' aims to champion the rise of women's sport while keeping an authentic sports bar atmosphere.

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.

Founder Becky Brown explained: "Women's sport has grown massively, but the spaces to watch it haven't caught up.

"There's nothing like this in the North at the moment, and Stockport and the Weir Mill neighbourhood felt like the perfect spot - creative, independent, and full of character.

"Rita Ray's is about sport, community, and inclusion."

Prologue - New bookshop, bar and cafe

Prologue is a new bookshop, bar and cafe which promises to serve as a 'cultural hub' for Stockport.

It's being delivered by the same team behind Simply Books in Bramhall.

Visitors can expect a great range of books, of course, plus a coffee shop serving speciality drinks.

And excitingly, Prologue will also transform into a 'buzzy' and 'warm' bar by the evenings - the perfect spot for a cosy late reading session or a laid-back evening meet up.

Further still, the venue - which is roughly double the size of Simply Books in Bramhall - will host live events such as author talks, music, comedy, and more, on what will be the first permanent bookshop stage in the UK.

The Jane Eyre - a 'laid back' bar and restaurant

The Jane Eyre, as of time of writing, is the latest operator to be confirmed for Weir Mill.

It will be a food and drink venue specialising in wines, cocktails, local beers and small plates.

Following on from their success in running sites in Ancoats and Chorlton, The Jane Eyre team have said they are 'beyond excited' to be coming to Stockport.

The building will feature an atmospheric interior, with soft lighting, stacks of dripping candles, and carefully-sourced decor and glassware.

They also promise a carefully-curated soundtrack, aiming to "carry visitors from post-work drinks into late-night hangs".

Charlie Bradley from The Jane Eyre said the team are 'really proud' to be opening at Weir Mill.

"Stockport is home for us, and we've always believed in it – so to be part of a project like this feels very special", he said.

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