Stockport Interchange moves to consultation phase
The Greater Manchester Combined Authority has signed-off plans from Stockport Council for a multi-million pound redevelopment of the town’s bus station, allowing the mixed-use project to go out to public consultation.
In May, the council revealed “aspirational and iconic” designs for the transport interchange and residential development in May, including plans for the potential arrival of the Metrolink to the town.
The redevelopment of the interchange has been in the pipeline since 2015.
Stockport Council’s proposals for the site feature a 196-home apartment block, a transport interchange covered with a green roof, and two acres of public realm opening up on to the river Mersey, alongside improved connectivity to the town’s railway station.
The plans also factor in a route for the Metrolink’s potential arrival to the town, with one of the visualisations showing tram lines and platforms alongside the viaduct.
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.
A temporary bus station is being proposed for the Heaton Lane car park whilst construction work is ongoing.
The 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.
The majority of the construction cost of the residential element, earmarked at £39m, will be met by senior debt. The costings of the residential block have been developed by JLL, Deloitte, and GMCA’s core investments team.
Now from Monday 2 July until Sunday 29 July, TfGM and Stockport Council are inviting residents, businesses and community groups to respond to the plans, and finalise proposals before they are submitted as part of a planning application.
People can give their views through an online questionnaire at www.tfgm.com/stockport-interchange or at one of a number of public information events being held in the town:
- Thursday 5 July, 10am-2pm, Stockport Bus Station
- Saturday 14 July, 10am-2pm, Mersey Square (outside entrance to Merseyway Shopping Centre)
- Tuesday 17 July, 10am-2pm, Stockport Bus Station
- Tuesday 24 July, 10am-2pm, Stockport Rail Station
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: “Plans for a modern transport interchange, residential development and large public park demonstrate a clear ambition for Stockport to become a key urban centre in South Manchester.
“It’s also a fantastic example of integrated town centre planning, with TfGM and Stockport Council working together to build something that will benefit an entire community. This is a key part of my Town Centre Challenge.
“Stockport is already an exciting place to live, work and socialise in and this new development will play an important role in making travel easier and supporting further regeneration.
“I’m now calling on train operators to free up land around rail stations across Greater Manchester so these areas can also be used for regeneration and redevelopment purposes, providing huge benefits for towns and districts.”
