A company which worked on London's new Elizabeth line has been appointed as the main contractor for a £60m transformation project in Greater Manchester.
Sisk has been handed the contract for Weir Mill by Capital&Centric, Stockport Council and Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation.
The scheme will include 250 apartments in the Grade II-listed mill as well as in two new buildings.
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There will also be space created for bars, restaurants, cafés and shops.
Work is now expected to start on site next month and the build is set to take around two years.
Adam Higgins, co-founder of Capital&Centric, said: "Weir Mill has been a constant presence in Stockport, with parts of the buildings dating back to the 1700s. Now it’s set to be the main character in the town’s next storyline.
"You really feel the rich heritage when you’re stood on site, we knew from day one we needed to honour that with something properly special.
"The neighbourhood will be just that, with new public squares, foodie hangouts and tranquil green spots. Not only a top place to live, but a visitor pull for Stockport.
"There’s no doubt, it’s a turbulent time at the moment, but we’re ploughing on. It’s creative neighbourhoods like this that will propel the region’s recovery. We’re itching to get on site in the coming weeks."
Lord Bob Kerslake, chair of the Stockport MDC, added: "This is another fantastic example of the momentum and pace of transformation being achieved in Stockport thanks to a can do attitude and collaboration across the board.
"We’re delivering on what the MDC set out to do, create long-term inclusive growth by transforming the town with new homes, jobs and sustainable communities.
"Weir Mill will be a catalytic site that will drastically improve the whole area, located just a stone’s throw from the Interchange. Particularly against the current volatility of the construction industry, this is a major achievement to get such as vision fully funded, with a respected contractor appointed and work set to start."
Cllr Mark Hunter, leader of Stockport Council, said: "I’m delighted that we can take this next phase of Stockport’s ambitious £1bn regeneration forward as the MDC reaches its next milestone.
"The MDC will deliver thousands of new homes, creating a new town centre neighbourhood for future generations to live and enjoy.
"It is exciting times for the MDC with the progress at the Interchange, Exchange Phase 4 and the recent announcement of the Stockport 8 development opportunity.
"These will greatly enhance the quality of life for local people, and see Stockport become the most liveable and well-connected town centre in Greater Manchester.
"For a developer of Capital & Centric’s reputation to deliver this strategic site is testament to the appeal of the MDC and Stockport and shows real confidence from the private sector.
"Our vison for the town centre is moving forward at pace and I look forward to plans progressing now the contractor has been appointed."
Initial strip out and limited demolition is currently taking place on site, with the newly-appointed main contractor to take over in June. Founded in Ireland, Sisk has become a respected builder and contractor, delivering projects in Ireland, the UK and across Europe.
Alan Rodger, managing director, at Sisk’s UK North division, said: "The redevelopment of Weir Mill is a key building block in the transformation of Stockport and we are delighted to be working with Capital & Centric to bring it back to life.
"Sisk has a strong track record in the North West of delivering some great projects that bring life back to our cities and towns while retaining the link with the architecture of our industrial past."
