Development of the new multi-million pound Stockport Interchange has taken a step closer as Transport for Greater Manchester has submitted the joint planning application to Stockport Council.
If approved, the project will continue the major £1 billion transformation under way in Stockport town centre by delivering a state-of-the-art transport interchange in the heart of the town – also featuring a two-acre public park, which will include a bridge to Stockport Railway Station – and a high-quality residential development.
Building on Stockport’s already first-class connectivity, the interchange will bolster the success of developments like Stockport Exchange and Redrock that have put the town on the map as a great place to live; work and visit.
The submission of the joint planning application by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and Stockport Council comes as the findings of a recent engagement exercise are published which shows support for the development from members of the public, businesses and community groups across Stockport.
The four-week exercise took place in July and provided people with the chance to view the proposals and give feedback via an online questionnaire or printed questionnaire. A copy of the engagement report is available to view on the TfGM website.
Following careful consideration of all the feedback that was received, the submitted planning application will largely reflect the proposals published in July. However, owing to comments made around the perceived lack of accessibility to the rail station and the height of the residential development, proposals for a shared cycling and pedestrian bridge connecting the Interchange with Stockport Rail Station will be developed and a reduction of 4 metres has been made to plans for the residential development.
New Stockport interchange proposed for the town centre
The multi-million pound redevelopment of the existing bus station site, alongside the A6 and Mersey Square, is funded by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), Stockport Council and the GMCA, with support from Central Government through the Greater Manchester Local Growth Deal programme.
It is designed to further support the regeneration of the town centre, making it an even more attractive place in which to live, work and enjoy leisure time.
The plan includes a fully accessible, covered passenger concourse with seated waiting areas. Housed within it and bus and train travel information screens, modern bus stands, a lift that connects to the A6, fully accessible toilets complete with baby changing facilities, cycle storage, enhanced CCTV coverage and a brand new Travelshop, will combine to offer passengers with a first-class travel experience.
Aesthetically, the new Interchange also promises to make for an eye catching centre piece at the heart of the town. The transformation will see the upgrading of the section of the Trans Pennine Trail alongside the River Mersey, a residential development off Daw Bank with up to 200 apartments and associated car parking – all situated within a new town centre park that’s directly accessible from the A6.
Alex Cropper, TfGM’s Head of Projects, said:
“The public’s response to the proposals was very positive and I’d like to thank everyone who took part.
“The feedback we received has helped us to firm up our design. It gives us the reassurance that it remains the best option for delivering a modern transport interchange with green space and a residential development.
“The scheme is a hugely ambitious one but we feel it’s befitting of a town centre that’s currently enjoying a massive transformation.
“No other transport interchange in Greater Manchester will compare to this one. It will be unique in featuring a two-acre park on its roof and high-quality residential apartments in close proximity.
“It’s an exciting time for Stockport town centre and we’re determined to build the community a modern transport hub it can be proud for many years to come.”
Councillor Kate Butler, Stockport Council’s Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration, said:
“We have taken on board the comments of everyone who took part in the engagement events and via the listening exercise, so thank you to everyone who got involved.
“This is such an important project for Stockport and will take our transformation of the town centre to the next level.
“We believe that the creation of a new park, new homes for residents and modern public transport facilities will all be great additions to our town.”
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