Plans to create the next chapter of Stockport Exchange development have been submitted.

Stockport Council, working alongside national placemaker Muse, has submitted a planning application, which updates the previously approved masterplan for Stockport Exchange, and sets out detailed plans for the next phase – 4 Stockport Exchange, as well as outline planning for the final phases (6-8).

4 Stockport Exchange will comprise 60,000 sq ft of office space with ground floor opportunities available for shops, cafes, bars or restaurants, as well as a fully accessible and landscaped approach to the railway station and new public square.

The remaining phases of Stockport Exchange will include an additional 185,000 sq ft of Grade A office space and up to 100 residential apartments, to be delivered in the later phase of the scheme.

A public consultation took place during February, when local businesses and the community were asked to share their feedback on the updated plans. The feedback has now been reviewed and incorporated into the planning application.

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Cllr Colin Macalister, Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration at Stockport Council, said: "Stockport Exchange has been an integral part of our £1bn 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.

"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 £145m development has created a new gateway to the town for visitors arriving at Stockport Station and has been a catalyst for the wider regeneration that the town is experiencing as part of the Town Centre West regeneration masterplan.

The plans for 4 Stockport Exchange will follow the key principles from previous approved phases on the site for an office led development with ground floor commercial units, set in high quality, landscaped public spaces.

The application is expected to go before the planning committee in summer 2024.