Laing wins station contract
Laing O'Rourke has been appointed to build the £19m Altrincham Interchange for rail, bus and tram users.
The facility is partly funded by the government's Local Sustainable Transport Fund, through the Greater Manchester Commuter Cycling Project. There will be a dedicated cycle store with secure, covered cycle parking for more than 50 bikes.
Cllr Andrew Fender, chairman of the Transport for Greater Manchester Committee, which will oversee the project, said: "Altrincham Interchange is a major gateway into the town centre, and this significant investment will provide a first rate facility, marrying the proud history of the site with attractive, modern features. I look forward to work getting under way."
Cllr Matt Colledge, leader of Trafford Council and chairman of Altrincham Forward, said: "Altrincham Forward is driving a huge programme of work to restore Altrincham's position as a vibrant, modern market town.
"The interchange development, which will provide a striking new gateway to the town centre, will be important in helping to achieve our vision and I look forward to seeing the scheme start to take shape over the coming months."
Work to prepare for the redevelopment of Altrincham Interchange was completed last year with the demolition of a disused footbridge over Stamford New Road.
The transformation of the interchange will now take place in two principal phases, with the first section focusing on the historic building and canopies, and some further preparatory work.
From 18 February, around 16 spaces on the Oakfield car park will be used to provide a site compound for the duration of the project. Hoardings will be erected alongside the boundary of the railway and car park, with minimal disruption for users.
In addition, from 27 February, the Northern Rail ticket office will move temporarily from Platform 1 to Platform 4.
Once the first phase is complete, the project will focus on the rest of the site, which will require bus services to operate from nearby temporary stands.
As a whole, the project is due to be completed in 2014.
