Plans in for Stockport Interchange
Following a public consultation this summer, Transport for Greater Manchester has submitted a planning application for its mixed-use redevelopment of Stockport’s bus station.
Stockport Council and TfGM’s plans for the site feature a 196-home apartment block, a transport interchange covered with a green roof, and two acres of public realm focussed opening up the river Mersey.
Following the consultation events this summer, the height of the proposed apartment block has been reduced by four metres, while a shared cycling and pedestrian bridge connecting the interchange to Stockport’s railway station have also been added to the proposals.
The bus station will feature a lift connecting the site to the A6 and river-fronting public realm, along with modern bus stands, cycle storage and a travel shop.
The residential block, including 126 two-bed apartments and 70 one-bed apartments, is expected to cost around £39m to build. A joint venture between the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and the council will develop the block and will rent the apartments privately for a minimum of five years following its completion.
The costing for the residential element were put together by JLL, Deloitte, and GMCA’s investment team.
Stockport Council has already secured £41.7m of Growth Fund money to help to deliver the scheme, and has already received a grant of £2.6m from the Government’s Housing Infrastructure Fund to help support the project’s delivery.
Alex Cropper, TfGM’s head of projects, said: “The public’s response to the proposals was very positive and I’d like to thank everyone who took part. The feedback we received has helped us to firm up our design. It gives us the reassurance that it remains the best option for delivering a modern transport interchange with green space and a residential development.
“The scheme is a hugely ambitious one but we feel it’s befitting of a town centre that’s currently enjoying a massive transformation. No other transport interchange in Greater Manchester will compare to this one. It will be unique in featuring a two-acre park on its roof and high-quality residential apartments in close proximity.
“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 for many years to come.”
Cllr Kate Butler, Stockport Council’s cabinet member for economy and regeneration, said: “We have taken on board the comments of everyone who took part in the engagement events and via the listening exercise, so thank you to everyone who got involved.
“This is such an important project for Stockport and will take our transformation of the town centre to the next level. We believe that the creation of a new park, new homes for residents and modern public transport facilities will all be great additions to our town.”
Looks great. A much needed addition to a fantastic, underestimated major town.
By Anonymous
All the years of driving up and down the A6 and I hadn’t realise that there were that many trees? Maybe someone was a little overzealous with the tree block on their 3D software… Anyway, it looks good but wonder whether it will happen.
By Aevis
I’m pleased that the new “carbuncle”, the oversized housing block that will stand out like a sore thumb, has been reduced in overall size by 4 metres. I also have reservations about the park on the roof of the proposed interchange. What’s going to happen in the future when water starts to drip from the roof of the interchange ?
What concerns me most however, is that the 3D artists, who have produced the image of what is to come, have stolen our Town Hall. Where is our Town Hall, WE want our Town Hall back ! You lost it, you find it !
By Rev Dr Robert Murphy
Rev Dr Robert Murphy – don’t worry about losing the town hall, they’ve restored Grand Central cinema so all is not lost.
By the sea
What about the ” there is no money”, “council tax being raised by the absolute max to avoid a referendum on the increase”… Seems to be money for vanity projects but things like looking after our OAps and War veterans is just not there….
By Trickcyclist
I can only think of one word to describe this plan. Hideous.
By Janice Mitchell