Stockport Council has launched a three-week public consultation on the footbridge and ‘Podium Park’ that are proposed for the town’s new transport interchange.
Stockport Council and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) are asking for residents’ views on the new foot- and cycle-bridge that will connect Stockport Interchange with the train station, and the rooftop park.
The proposed bridge will form part of Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham’s walking and cycling Mayoral Challenge Fund. A two-acre ‘Podium Park’ will sit on the roof of the new bus station and bring a new green space into the town centre.
The consultation will take place from 9th March to 29th March.
Cllr David Meller, Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration, said:
This consultation will help to shape the first phase of the new interchange, which is a bold statement of intent for the town and the Mayoral Development Corporation. The Mayoral Development Corporation will bring 3,500 new homes into the town centre and, we hope, be a vehicle to bring Metrolink to Stockport well within the decade.
“I am committed to improving the town’s walking and cycling links – indeed, I want us to lead on this within Greater Manchester – and this proposal, linking the two transport hubs is a vital part of our overall plans for Stockport.
“In addition, we would like to hear residents’ views of what they would like to see in the park: the first new park in our town centre for generations. This is your chance to shape an incredibly exciting project for the town centre as it realises its immense potential and becomes fit not just for the present, but for the future.
“This consultation further strengthens our ambition to make Stockport a first-class location for residents and businesses and attract the very best to our borough.”
Alex Cropper, Head of Operations at TfGM, said:
It’s promising to see an interchange of this magnitude integrate cycling and walking elements from the start, improving connectivity and enabling people to undertake part of their journey by foot or bike before linking into the wider transport network.
“The addition of a Podium Park is an innovative way of bringing more green space to the city centre for everyone to enjoy.”
Four drop-in events will take place during the consultation period:
- Saturday, March 14: Stockport train station – 10am to 12pm
- Saturday, March 14: Stockport bus station – 1pm to 3pm
- Thursday, March 19: Stockport train station – 4pm to 6pm
- Thursday, March 19: Stockport bus station – 11am to 1pm
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