Pyramid curry house 'nearly there' after challenges

Mahboob Hussain from Royal Nawaab says the shape of the building has presented "lot of challenges" during the renovation

The transformation of one of Greater Manchester's most distinctive buildings into an Indian restaurant is "nearly there", the company's founder has said.

Mahboob Hussain, of the UK restaurant group Royal Nawaab, said he had experienced "lots of challenges" while renovating the Stockport Pyramid because of its distinctive shape, but he would be "proud" when the construction was finished.

The restaurant is set to open its doors later this year, and is forecast to cost a total of £15m.

In November, the project was given the go-ahead by Stockport Council to develop a space for 1,500 diners and 150 staff, a buffet restaurant and banquet halls across three floors.

The project to renovate the Stockport Pyramid was given the go-ahead in November

The former Co-op building will also be used to host large events such as weddings within a "lavish spacious area", and bosses said it would create new jobs and be a boost to the local economy.

The quirky structure next to the M60 opened in 1992 but has been empty for years, creating fears that it could fall into disrepair.

The site is set to open its doors later this year, and is forecast to cost a total of £15m

Mr Hussain said: "I liked taking on this challenge and after working on a historical building in London, I'll be proud to have this as a Royal Nawaab.

"There were a lot of challenges we came across because it's a different shape of a building, but it's interesting.

"That's why it's called iconic, and is a historical building.

"We've had some issues but we've resolved them, and now we're nearly there."