Stockport Interchange celebrates first anniversary

March 2025 marks one year since the opening of Stockport Interchange, the £140 million state-of-the-art transport hub built as part of the £1 billion regeneration of the town centre.

As well as creating a new travel gateway into the town, the Interchange has also delivered new homes and green spaces for residents.

In its first year of operation, more than 350,000 bus journeys have departed from Stockport Interchange, carrying residents visitors and commuters alike. Viaduct Park, built on the bus terminus’ rooftop, has also brought an extra two acres of green space to the town centre and played host to 75 events throughout the past year including the 2024 Cultural Weekender. A development of 196 apartments, delivered by the scheme’s residential development partner Cityheart, has also seen more than 300 new residents move into flats overlooking Viaduct Park and the Interchange.

Stockport Interchange has also garnered recognition as a leading example in urban regeneration, picking up a number of national and international award wins including:

• Royal Town Planning Institute Awards – Winner of the Silver Jubilee Cup for Best Planning Scheme of the Year
• International Partnership Awards – Winner of Best Financial Structure
• National Transport Awards – Winner of Design, Engineering, and Construction Project of the Year
• Manchester Chamber of Commerce Awards 2024 – Shortlisted for Building of the Year

Cllr Mark Hunter, Leader of Stockport Council, said:

“The Interchange has been a game-changer—bringing new homes, better transport links, and our fantastic rooftop Viaduct Park into the heart of the town. In just a year, we’ve seen more than 350,000 bus departures, showing just how vital this hub is in connecting Stockport to Greater Manchester and beyond. And this is just the start.”

Vernon Everitt, Transport Commissioner for Greater Manchester, said:

“Stockport Interchange showcases everything we are striving for with the Bee Network. It’s modern, accessible, and sustainable, making it easier than ever for people to choose greener travel options. It’s also set the standard for future interchange redevelopments across Greater Manchester.”

Following on from the success of Stockport Interchange, the town centre’s ambitious transformation is set to continue at pace through 2025.

This year will see the completion of the restoration of Weir Mill into a 253-home development alongside space for independent bars and restaurants and vibrant public spaces beneath the Viaduct arches. Great Places’ Platform scheme, delivering 73 much-needed affordable homes to rent, will also complete on nearby King Street.

The Merseyway Shopping Centre will also see the launch of Stockroom, a new town centre cultural hub featuring a modern library, creative learning space, and a welcoming café that will bring empty retail units back into use.