Work is expected to start early next year on a £60m project at a historic site in Stockport after the go-ahead was granted.
Capital & Centric has secured permission for the Weir Mill scheme which will see the derelict Victorian building restored and transformed into apartments.
Stockport Council’s planning and highways regulatory committee approved the plans at its meeting on Thursday, September 30.
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The site, backed by £7m of Housing Infrastructure Fund from Homes England, is one of the cornerstone regeneration projects of the Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC).
Capital & Centric’s project will deliver 253 one, two and three-bed apartments across the existing Weir Mill and two new buildings, alongside 24,000sq ft of commercial space that will establish a new leisure and culture destination.
It’ll also involve creating 60,000sq ft of public realm with gardens, social and creative outdoor spaces, opening the historic site to the public for the first time in years.
Adam Higgins, co-founder of Capital & Centric, said: "This is a huge moment for Stockport town centre. We’re floored with the feedback and support we’ve had for our vision for Weir Mill and can’t wait to get going.
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"We’re going to create something very special here – celebrating the rich industrial heritage of the mill with sensitive restoration and opening the site up with great community places to hangout with lush gardens and social spaces.
"We plan to pack the neighbourhood with as many of the best cultural and foodie experiences we can.
"The reality is that this stunning historic mill, parts of which date back as far as the late 1700s, were at risk of being lost forever.
"It’s brilliant that, thanks to Stockport’s support, we can not only save Weir Mill, but make it one of the main storylines in Stockport’s next chapter."
Cllr Elise Wilson, leader of Stockport Council, added: "The council rightly identified the potential of Weir Mill as a key element towards creating a new community in the heart of Stockport, attracting more people to live and work here.
"It is hugely rewarding to know this derelict landmark will now not only be saved but become a catalyst for wider investment and will energise this area of the town centre.
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"The plans look fantastic and the commitment to high quality development will help deliver our vision to create the newest, coolest, and greenest urban neighbourhood in the city-region.
"Weir Mill will strengthen our appeal as a great place to live, work, play and connect and will complement our plans for improvements to Merseyway, a new transport interchange and a revitalised Underbanks.
"It also demonstrates the confidence that private sector developers like Capital & Centric have in the borough and is a great endorsement for our ongoing ambitious plans.
"I look forward to seeing work start on this historic site and for the widest possible benefit to be gained for the local supply chain and local businesses during construction."