Stockport tram on track for 2030 construction start

A strategic outline case for the highly anticipated Bee Network expansion is due to go before Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s governance forums this autumn.

If the GMCA gives the Stockport Metrolink strategic outline case the nod, the project will be able to push forward with its target of starting construction in 2030. There would, of course, be more hurdles to jump. After the strategic outline case is approved, the outline business case has to be drawn up, followed by a full business case.

To bring the Metrolink to Stockport, GMCA is looking at creating a link from the existing East Didsbury tram stop. The upcoming SOC also includes a few other related proposals, including a tram-train from Tameside to Stockport via Denton and Reddish and a tram-train from Stockport to Manchester Airport.

Further along in the business case process is the Oldham-Rochdale-Heywood-Bury tram-train. Its outline business case is due to finish in 2026. The success of this project has wider implications for Greater Manchester’s public transport future, with a combined authority report noting that it is “intended to unlock tram-train technology for GM”.

The Oldham-Rochdale-Heywood-Bury link has a target construction start date of 2028.

This project, as well as the Stockport scheme, is being made possible via a £27.4m funding allocation from the government. However, this only covers the development of the business cases.

An actual extension would be a sizeable sum, with the GMCA noting that the Trafford Park line extension cost £350m back when it was priced in 2016. Funds are expected to come from the city’s £2.5bn Transport for City Regions award from government.

GMCA’s Bee Network committee members will meet on Tuesday to discuss the business case updates.