Partners in plans for Stockport Transport Interchange

Engineering consultants WSP have been appointed by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and Stockport Council to draw up plans for the £41m Stockport Transport Interchange.

The scheme involves redevelopment of the town’s existing bus station at Daw Bank, between the rail viaduct and the A6.

WSP will work alongside architects BDP and carry out a feasibility study that looks at potential development opportunities around the site of the new interchange, including a 150-unit residential block and community services.

The consultant is expected to submit its initial report before summer is out, ahead of a planning application being submitted later this year.

WSP will provide a range of engineering design services, including transportation and infrastructure, building services, structures, environmental and town planning, working alongside architect BDP.

Access will be improved into the new Stockport Transport Interchange

Funding for the interchange development is being supported by central government through the Greater Manchester Local Growth Deal Programme.

Richard Jones, director at WSP in Manchester:

“Our local knowledge and established working relationship with the client team were key to our appointment for this complex high-profile project which will be one of the first true transit-orientated developments of this scale outside of London.

“We look forward to continuing our successful partnership with Stockport Council and TfGM to design a connected, commercially viable transport interchange which will stimulate future economic growth in the town.”

Stockport councillor and cabinet member for economy and regeneration Kate Butler said:

“We’re committed to improving transport in Stockport for everyone, and the new Stockport transport interchange is vital to this.”

In January 2016, Stockport Council’s unveiled its vision to regenerate the area around Stockport rail station and strengthen its connections as a transport hub for the town centre and beyond has been unveiled.

In October last year, Planning permission was secured for a new road bridge in Stockport, across the River Mersey, the first phase of Transport for Greater Manchester’s plans to build Stockport Interchange. The bridge will link Astley Street on the north side of the river with Swaine Street to the south, enabling bus services to be re-routed through the town centre, while also improving access to the new Stockport Transport Interchange.