Plans for a new leisure and retail development on the Bridgefield site in Stockport town centre have been approved.

Outline permission has been granted for the construction of a new high quality development including a new cinema, food and drink outlets, hotel, shops and a new 250-space car park.

The 2.8 hectare plot, on the site of the Bridgefield car park next to Debenhams and Merseyway Shopping Centre, has been earmarked for development by Stockport Council for a number of years. The Council submitted the planning application following a consultation with local businesses and residents.

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Councillor Iain Roberts, Executive Member for Economic Development and Regeneration at Stockport Council, said: "The Bridgefield site is ideal for a new leisure and retail development, and will complement the already very successful Merseyway Shopping Centre next door.

"The high street is changing and we have to make sure our town centre is a great place to spend time, offering leisure activities as well as shopping. The Council has seen an opportunity here and we're not afraid to take action. We now see it as our job to take the initiative and make the site as attractive as possible to potential developers.

"Developing Bridgefield into a fantastic leisure destination will make Stockport more attractive to visitors, create jobs for local people and boost the local economy."

(CD/GK)