Stockport's burgeoning commercial property market has been given another boost.

A ground-breaking ceremony for Stockport's new £13 million landmark office building at St Peter's Square took place last week.

Once completed in June 2009, the energy-efficient building will provide the first Grade A office accommodation in the town centre, which lies to the south of central Manchester.

Council leader Dave Goddard said: "This ceremony marks a significant step forward in our ambitious vision for the town centre."

He added: "This landmark building will not only create an exciting new gateway into the centre but will also attract major employers to invest in the town creating new jobs."

Stockport is home to many financial and professional services firms.

The project is part of the Future Stockport initiative that includes plans to redevelop the town's retail area and to build more than 1,000 new homes.