Stockport’s new state-of-the-art Interchange is continuing to take shape ahead of its opening this spring.
A striking timelapse video shows how the new multi-million pound development - which features 18 bus stands with the capacity for 164 departures an hour, a new two-acre town centre park and 196 high-quality apartments - has come together since construction began in autumn 2022.
A new pedestrian and cycle route will link to the town’s rail station and the spiral ramp will link the new park to the Mersey frontage, Trans Pennine Trail and onward to the town centre, helping people to easily get around.
The park will be a unique green space that residents from all over the borough can enjoy. It will feature play equipment, festoon lighting, and an events pavilion that will help to connect Stockport’s neighbourhoods and communities.
Plans are currently in place to host an opening celebration event as part of Stockport's Town of Culture events programme.
New photographs reveal the latest from the scheme, as its opening date fast approaches. These include progress on the spiral ramp, which will be an eye-catching feature of the mixed-use development and is due to open shortly after the new interchange and park.
Progress on the site is continuing and recent milestones include:
• Landscaping works on the park is progressing well, with the laying of the surface for the cycle and pedestrian paths and plant and tree planting continuing.
• The spiral ramp is taking shape, with the final three sections shortly to be installed.
• Inside the Interchange decorating has started and installation of the fixtures and fitting is continuing.
• The cycle and pedestrian link to Station Road is also continuing to take shape, with work on the construction of the stair link to Exchange Street progressing and the start of the planting of trees and plants.
Cllr Mark Hunter, Leader of Stockport Council, said: “It's great to see the progress that has been made in transforming the bus station into a modern state-of-the-art transport interchange.
“It won't be long before residents and visitors can make use of the new facilities, walkways and cycling routes, and the unique rooftop park overlooking the town centre.
“It's 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.
“This is just the start of the amazing things we have planned for Stockport this year.”
Chris Barnes, Head of Projects Group at Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) said: “This is a really exciting time for Stockport and Greater Manchester as the new interchange nears completion.
“This is a truly state-of-the-art development that represents a landmark in the transformation of Stockport town centre.
“Building the Bee Network in Greater Manchester is about helping people to get around and the Interchange is a fantastic example of that – making it easier to catch buses and at the same time connecting them to rail through walking, wheeling and cycling routes.
“The new facility will help people to travel around Stockport and beyond and we look forward to updating people soon on when it will be open for business.”
The scheme forms a major part of the wider investment programme into Stockport town centre and is being delivered by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), Stockport MDC, Stockport Council, and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) in conjunction with building contractor Willmott Dixon, and development partner CityRise.
The major 10,000 sq m regeneration project is a core part of the Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) masterplan, which will see 130-acres of the town centre transformed into new housing, workspace, leisure and local amenities.
Anthony Dillon, managing director of Willmott Dixon in the North, said: “From the very beginning we’ve been determined to, not only deliver an interchange and residential development that this town can be proud of, but to change lives and create opportunities for the people of Stockport.
“As progress continues, we’re proud to say that, alongside TfGM and Stockport Council to date, we’re created 151 new jobs, delivered more than 675 weeks of apprenticeship and training weeks, as well as 56 work placements.
“We continue to work with local organisations to deliver employment opportunities for local people facing barriers to work through our dedicated Building Lives Academy programme.
“Alongside this, we’ve worked extensively with Stockport College, supporting local young people into employment, apprenticeships as well as higher technical roles through T-Level courses.
“Through a wide range of careers related sessions and programmes at Werneth School and Stockport School as well as Mayor Andy Burnham’s Work Place Safari initiative, we’ve raised awareness of construction careers with young people.
“We continue to support all these great organisations as well as supporting the likes of The Wellspring homelessness support charity and our friends at the Webb Lane Community Allotments."
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