New images offer the first glimpse of how a proposed 18-storey tower block in Stockport town centre could look.
Proposals for a 12-floor building on a car park opposite Regent House - between Piccadilly and Fletcher Street - were tabled last year.
But Saudi developer Eamar - which owns Stockport Pyramid - has fresh plans for a new mixed-use scheme boasting 98 apartments and two ground floor retail units.
The revised proposals feature a five-storey block at the base of the building as well as a 'slender’ 18-storey tower, and seven town houses along Fletcher Street.
Designed by Stephenson Studios it would be one of the tallest buildings in the town centre if given the go ahead.
In a design and access statement, the Manchester-based architect says its overall aim is to create another Stockport 'gem' on the 2,000 square metre site.
It describes the project as an opportunity for 'creating a new residential development of exceptional quality, which will positively contribute to its unique setting'.
And a planning document says it would contribute to the borough’s housing supply - including up to 15pc affordable properties - while also bringing economic benefits.
“The provision of apartments above the retail units will assist in providing a mixed-use balanced development which supports the vitality and viability of the town centre,” it adds.
“The development will provide a boost to the town centre economy by supporting services and facilities in the town centre and by providing employment opportunities in the commercial units.”
The scheme would sit just outside St Peter’s Conservation Zone but the applicant claims it would not ‘create a dominant or detracting influence’ on its surroundings - and would bring 'positive change' by filling in what is currently an ‘open and empty block.
The plans also create 'the feeling of being an extension to the civic centre of St Peters Square' through a series of public realm improvements.
Further benefits are said to include new residents spending more money in the town centre and much-improved drainage.
The apartments and ground floor shops - set to provide 4,500 sq m of retail space - would front on to Piccadilly
The new homes include 43 one-bedroom, 40 two-bedroom and eight three-bedroom apartments, while the seven town houses each have three bedrooms.
The development also includes 98 cycle spaces and 10 disabled parking spaces.
A 14-storey apartment block on the nearby former Greenhale House site has also been approved, while developer Capital and Centric has ambitious plans to convert historic Weir Mill into 250 apartments.
