Stockport’s transport interchange opens as centre piece of town transformation

Stockport’s new multi-million pound transport interchange – which boasts 18 bus stands with the capacity for 164 departures an hour – opens this month boosting connectivity in the town centre, with the interchange connected to the train station by a new walking and cycling route.

It also features a new rooftop park, providing a unique green space that residents from all over the borough can enjoy with play equipment, decorative lighting, and a community space that will help to connect Stockport’s neighbourhoods and communities.

The new facility forms a central piece of the £1bn transformation of the town centre. A new walking and cycling path will connect Station Road and the train station to the new park, with the segregated route providing step free, easy and safe access for people walking, wheeling and cycling between the two destinations.

And, from the end of April, a new eye-catching spiral and cycle walking ramp connecting the new park with an area along the River Mersey and the Trans Pennine Trail will open. This will give people easy access to the park and the town centre whether travelling by cycle or on foot.

The new landmark residential block, made up of 196 high-quality one and two-bedroom apartments, which also forms part of the scheme is targeted for completion in May with residents beginning to move in the following month.

Cllr Mark Hunter, Leader of Stockport Council, said “The progress that has been made to date has been truly transformational for our town centre, which is all part of the exciting £1 billion investment that's underway to make Stockport an even better place in which to live, work, play and connect.

Vernon Everitt, Greater Manchester Transport Commissioner said, “We can’t wait to welcome passengers to the new, state of the art interchange at Stockport – complete with town centre park.

“The old bus station has been transformed into a modern, attractive and accessible interchange with facilities for customers and staff fit for the 21st century. It will help people to make journeys around Stockport, Greater Manchester and further afield and will be a central element in the introduction of Bee Network buses in Stockport from January 2025. 

Facilities at the new interchange include a covered concourse with seated waiting areas, information screens showing real-time bus and train information and a ticket and information office. There are also fully accessible toilets and Changing Places facilities, lifts and ramps providing step-free access, wayfinding lines and tactile stand indicators.

Chris Barnes, Head of Projects Group at Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), said, “We’re really looking forward to welcoming the first bus passengers to this modern, attractive and accessible new interchange. It’s a big moment for Stockport and Greater Manchester and we want everyone to make the most of the new facilities on offer right from the outset.”