Dramatic plans to build a £120m transport interchange - with a public park on top - in Stockport town centre have been approved, despite fears about the scale of the development.
Blueprints also include a 17-storey tower block with almost 200 flats next to the viaduct.
In addition, alterations to the grade II listed Wellington Bridge, that will create an access route to the park, train station, and River Mersey have also been given the green-light.
The new hub will stand in the shadows of the famous viaduct arches and is set to become the epicentre of the local transport network.
Town hall chiefs say they are confident it will eventually welcome trams.
The huge scheme is just one element of the council's £1bn town centre overhaul that will create thousands of new homes - make improvements to transport links and will, hopefully, drive traffic out of town.
During a lengthy debate, a number of town hall bosses raised concerns about how the scheme will impact this part of town.
Speaking during Thursday's meeting, councillors Christine Corris, Suzanne Whyatt and Phillip Harding said they would support the development, however they did voice some concerns.
"The design of the tower block fits well in the area, but I think it could have been improved with a bit more thought," said Coun Corris.
"We've missed an opportunity here to build something inspiring."
While Coun Harding said he would 'reluctantly' back the project.
"It does have some good aspects to it, but it's a great pity that we've got this apartment block as a part of the overall scheme," he added.
"However, it's not often we get to decide on developments of this scale, magnitude and importance.
"It could, as long as the drainage works and all the other elements of it fit together, be very good."
He continued: "I also hope the construction work won't be too disruptive for residents, as it will take around two years to complete.
"However, on balance I'm reluctantly going to support it."
Coun Wendy Meikle agreed with her colleagues and said would have preferred the tower block to be smaller.
"I'm also disappointed that no affordable homes are being offered within the development, but overall it's an impressive scheme," she added.
While Coun Andy Sorton said he's not opposed to tall buildings, however, it is the number of them that concern him.
"I realise the scale of this development will cause harm in this conservation area," he added.
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"However, the development will create new views of the viaduct, so for me, it's about compromise.
"The town centre economy needs a kick-start - and this development will help do that.
"Therefore, on balance I think we have to approve this application."
Meanwhile, Couns Julian Lewis Booth, Laura Booth, Robert Hadfield and Mark Hurleston all welcomed the scheme.
"I'm enormously proud to be a part of an authority that is brave enough to build a park in a town centre," he said.
"I'm delighted to see it - and will be supporting it."
Coun Hadfield agreed with his colleague - and said the scheme will make a 'massive' improvement to the town.
For more information visit stockport.gov.uk/planning and enter reference DC/071417
