Retail units in a town's shopping centre have been transformed into a library hub and events space.
The space in Merseyway in Stockport has been transformed into Stockroom, a "hub for creativity, connection and community", the council said.
It will also include a café bar and children's learning space, as well as being home to Stockport's historical archives.
Stockport Council leader Mark Roberts said it was a "bold investment" in the town centre and an "exciting new chapter".
The council said the space would soon host a packed programme of events, activities and cultural experiences
Roberts said: "Stockroom is a bold investment in the future of our town centre – one that puts culture, learning and community right at the heart of our regeneration plans,"
"Stockroom marks an exciting new chapter for Stockport."
The new space hosts several events later for all ages to celebrate the opening:
- 10:00 – 14:00 – Green Fingers – Help bring new planters to life with the National Trust and Merseyway Workshop
- From 10:30 – Born to Be Wild Child – Family dance party sessions under the parachute
- 11:00 – 14:00 – Quick Draw – Test your sketching skills on Adlington Walk.
- 10:00 – 16:00 – Add your photo to the Chosen Family Album Exhibition – Bring in your pictures and images to include in the Chosen Family Album and see yourself inside Stockroom
- 18:00 – 20:00 – Evening Launch with Mr Scruff & MC Kwasi – A special Stockroom Studios set from Stockport's own
- Discover the Archives – Explore Stockport's past, contribute to our time capsule, or hear from photographer Heidi Alexander
- Disco hat making – Make a disco hat, create your own Stockroom story, explore digital art, or leave your mark on our collaborative mural