Plans for new Cheadle Station get back on track

Construction work is now set to begin on a new railway station in Cheadle after timetabling challenges had seen the project face significant delays.

The latest assessment by rail industry partners, including Network Rail and Northern Trains, has demonstrated that the risks of delay to services along the line can be reasonably managed and should not be considered as a reason for stopping further progress being made on the Cheadle project.

A sustained campaign by Stockport Council and local partners to secure the station, which would reconnect Cheadle to the rail network for the first time in more than 60 years and improve access to jobs, education and opportunities across the region.

It means work on the road near the location of the station can finally start on site later this month, following months of detailed technical work involving the Department for Transport, Network Rail, Northern, Transport for Greater Manchester, Stockport Council and local partners.

Cllr Mark Roberts, Leader of Stockport Council, said:

“This is a hugely significant moment for Cheadle and for Stockport.

“For years we’ve fought for this station because we know the difference it will make to residents, businesses and the future prosperity of the area.

“Cheadle Station has always been about improving connections, creating opportunities and making it easier for people to travel for work, education and leisure and I am delighted that the highways work can now start on site later this month thanks to the persistence and partnership of all involved.”

Brian Bradley, Chair of the Cheadle Towns Fund Board, said:

“This is a fantastic milestone for Cheadle and a moment that many people have worked hard to achieve over a number of years. The Towns Fund Board has always recognised the transformational impact that a new railway station can have, not only by improving connections but by supporting local businesses, attracting investment and helping to secure Cheadle’s long-term economic future.

“We are delighted that the project is now moving forward and that residents will soon start to see progress on the ground. Bringing rail services back to Cheadle will create new opportunities for people to travel, work and visit the area, while supporting our ambition for a thriving, well-connected town centre.”

The rail industry’s latest position recognises that any operational impacts can be managed while further timetable modelling continues, with the previous proposal to remove services at Ashley and Plumley no longer required. The rail industry’s latest position recognises that any operational impacts can be managed while further work continues.