The new taxi rank and bus stops at Stockport Exchange and railway station are set to open, making it easier for passengers and residents to change between different stages of their journey.
Visitors to the station will have seen the transformation taking place in this area over the past few months. The opening of the taxi rank shows how well this work is progressing.
Creating a new vibrant business hub in the town centre, work on Phase 2 of Stockport Exchange is now well underway. Being developed in partnership with Muse Developments, the new office building, Sainsbury’s Local store, Holiday Inn Express hotel and public spaces will be finished later this year, bringing new jobs and opportunities to Stockport.
A new, permanent drop-off zone will also be created by the upper station doors as part of this work. With 21 short-term spaces, including designated disabled parking, the drop off zone will be a fantastic addition to the area.
Work on this will begin over the coming days, meaning that there will be some changes around the station.
From Saturday, the existing drop-off zone near the upper station doors will be closing as work begins. A new temporary drop off zone will be created on Railway Road, next to the multi-storey car park, ensuring that short stay parking is still available for passengers and visitors. This 20-minute short stay area, with dedicated disabled spaces, will be in addition to the 40 space drop off facility on the Edgeley side of the station.
Councillor Kate Butler, Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration at Stockport Council said: “Improved multi-modal access to Stockport Rail Station and Stockport Exchange is a key part of our vision to maximise the potential of this innovative, modern development.
“The opening of the new taxi rank and bus stops this weekend is an important milestone, and walking around the station it is exciting to see the work that is taking place which will attract new business, jobs and opportunities to Stockport Town Centre. I look forward to Stockport Exchange opening in a few months’ time.”
Andy Barton, Project Manager at Muse Developments, said: “This is a key milestone in realising our vision for the wider Stockport Exchange scheme, of which the second phase is progressing well and will be completed by the end of the year. Such a major transformation inevitably means a number of changes along the way, so we very much appreciate everyone’s patience while we improve access to the railway station and create a new attractive public space for everyone to enjoy.”
The changes to the drop-off zone will be in place until December.
The Council have apologised advance for any inconvenience this may cause and are working hard to keep any disruption to a minimum.