Four New Railway Stations Proposed as Part of Stockport Transport Vision

Plans for up to four new railway stations have been outlined in a draft transport strategy aimed at transforming connectivity across Stockport over the next two decades.

The strategy, due to be considered by Stockport Council on 8 June, sets out a long-term vision for improving rail, tram, bus and active travel links across the borough, with the goal of making journeys more reliable, accessible and sustainable.

Among the most significant proposals is the construction of a new railway station in Cheadle, alongside investigations into potential stations at Stanley Green, High Lane and Adswood.

Councillor Grace Baynham, the council's cabinet member responsible for transport, said the strategy provides a roadmap for delivering a more connected future for residents while supporting economic growth and sustainable development.

The long-awaited Cheadle station project remains a key priority. Located near Alexandra Hospital, the station would provide direct links to Stockport, Manchester Piccadilly and Chester. Despite funding being secured in 2022 and planning permission granted the following year, progress has been slower than many had hoped.

However, the latest council documents indicate that construction could finally begin within the next year. Once completed, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is expected to assume responsibility for operating and maintaining the facility.

Beyond Cheadle, the council intends to explore the feasibility of a new station at Stanley Green, which could support future development in the Heald Green area.

The strategy also revisits long-standing proposals for a station at High Lane, although any plans would need to consider the potential impact on nearby Middlewood station. Meanwhile, a station at Adswood on the Mid-Cheshire line is viewed as a longer-term possibility, potentially linked to future tram-train projects.

Rail proposals form part of a wider package of transport improvements. The council continues to support ambitions to extend the Metrolink network from East Didsbury into Stockport, with Transport for Greater Manchester currently developing a business case and assessing route options. Funding support is available through the region's £2.5 billion transport investment programme.

Additional tram-train opportunities are also being explored, including a potential link between Stockport and Manchester Airport via the Mid-Cheshire line, serving the proposed Cheadle station. Other concepts under consideration include services linking Manchester Piccadilly with Rose Hill Marple and Marple via Bredbury.

The strategy also highlights the possibility that the underused railway line between Reddish and Denton could play a greater role in the future transport network, although current assessments suggest conversion to a tram route is unlikely at present.

Alongside new stations and network extensions, major upgrades are planned for Stockport railway station itself. The council's vision includes a new eastern concourse, a western entrance serving Edgeley, improved accessibility, a replacement footbridge and refurbishment of the existing subway, helping to create what it describes as a modern transport hub for the borough.

Work is continuing to identify funding opportunities to support the station redevelopment and wider transport improvements outlined in the strategy.