Exciting progress on landmark project for Stockport

An exciting milestone is set to be passed as plans to develop a modern transport interchange and residential development in Stockport town centre begin to take shape.

From Monday 30 November, construction work will begin to develop Heaton Lane car park into a temporary bus station. This will allow services to run when work begins in early 2021 to transform the existing bus station into the modern facility.  

This work will result in the temporary closure of the external section of the car park. The temporary facilities will include a travelshop on Mersey Square and some on-street stops to allow services to operate until the opening of the main interchange. 

Alex Cropper, TfGM’s Head of Operations, said: “After the unprecedented situation faced by us all this year during the pandemic, I am delighted to be able to share some exciting news about progressing this transformational project. 

“We’ve delivered an impressive array of modern interchanges over the last decade, but this is one of the most striking transport projects we’ve taken forward in a local town centre. 

“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 of for many years to come.” 

Cllr David Meller, Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration at Stockport Council, said: “I’m so pleased that work is now pressing on with delivering a transport hub that’s fit for the 21st century and will contribute to Stockport ‘Building Back Better’ after the pandemic.  

“Our priority is to build a transport network for Stockport that reduces the number of car journeys people make. With its rooftop park and the new housing delivered as part of the Mayoral Development Corporation, Stockport Interchange will be at the heart of delivering just that.  

“From encouraging people to walk and cycle to use the new park, to those living nearby to use the bus, train and, in the future, Metrolink, Stockport Interchange will make sustainable transport an attractive and viable option for more people. It can’t come soon enough.” 

In March this year, contractor Willmott Dixon was appointed to help develop first stage proposals for the multi-million-pound interchange development, which includes a striking rooftop park, and the cycle and foot-bridge. 

A joint venture between Cityheart Limited and Rise Homes is the selected residential development partner for the project. They will play a leading role alongside public sector partners in taking forward a residential building off Daw Bank with up to 200 apartments and associated car parking, offering further attractive high-quality living space in the town centre.  

Located alongside the A6 and Mersey Square, the scheme forms a key part of the wider £1 billion regeneration of the town centre.  

The interchange will have twenty bus stands, a fully accessible, covered passenger concourse with seated waiting areas, real-time bus and train travel information screens, a Travelshop for tickets and travel advice, CCTV coverage, baby changing facilities and a ‘Changing Places’ toilet.  

The transport hub will be connected to the A6 by a lift, which will also open out onto the new, two-acre public park on the roof of the interchange building, next to the residential block. Accessible directly from the A6, the park will bring much-needed green space to the town centre. 

Construction of the new interchange scheme will start in early 2021, with completion estimated for 2023. The residential development is expected to open in 2024. 

For more information on the project, visit tfgm.com/stockport-interchange