Stockport Council and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) have revealed a proposed spiral ramp to offer unique pedestrian access between the River Mersey and a new park atop the town centre’s new transport interchange, currently under construction.
A public consultation on the proposals has launched on 6th January to give Stockport residents the chance to have their say on the plans, and will run until Sunday 6th February 2022.
The 189 metre ramp will connect the rooftop park with the transport interchange’s enhanced riverside frontage and the Trans Pennine Trail walking and cycling route which follows the route of the Mersey through Stockport. The route will also connect with the wider Bee Network of walking and cycling routes planned to improve pedestrian links across Greater Manchester.
Work began on Stockport Interchange in September 2021, and once complete will deliver a brand new state-of-the-art bus station and new town centre rooftop park. In addition to the spiral ramp to the River Mersey, a pedestrian and cycle link will connect the southern side of the scheme with Stockport Railway Station and will also see the deliver of 196 new homes in an apartment complex off Daw Bank.
Stephen Rhodes, Customer Director at TfGM, said:
“Stockport Interchange is a transformational project for the town, and these proposals will only enhance its potential as a truly state-of-the-art transport hub.
“The spiral ramp will not only be a striking structure to look at, but it will also provide a safe way for pedestrians and cyclists to reach the new park from ground level.
“Along with the bridgescape linking the park and Stockport rail station, the ramp will integrate into wider Bee Network proposals to provide a continuous route into Stockport Town centre and linking to the Trans Pennine Trail.
“I would encourage everyone to take this opportunity to have their say on this key piece of cycling and walking infrastructure, which will serve not only Stockport Interchange but the Bee Network as well.”
The proposed spiral design for the ramp was chosen to allow a 1:21 gradient to be maintained in order to ensure that it is not too steep for users wanting to travel in either an upward or downward direction, thereby ensuring accessibility for bicycle, pedestrian and wheelchair users.
Cllr David Meller, Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration, said:
“The new interchange will transform our town centre, and the proposed ramp is an important aspect of the project that will enable cyclists and pedestrians to have a seamless connection from the town centre towards the railway station and onward to the Trans Pennine Trail. This links into our aims to support sustainable travel throughout Stockport and within Greater Manchester.
“During the consultation held on the rooftop park in October 2021, many residents spoke about the need for a ramp to connect the different levels of the interchange, and work has been progressing well to produce the plans that are being consulted on this month.”
TfGM and Stockport Council are now keen to hear from residents, businesses, and community organisations on what they think of the proposal to introduce the ramp to designs for the rooftop park and transport interchange, and can share thoughts through an online survey on the TfGM website.
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