TfGM selects site for Stockport electric bus depot
The former Lex Autolease site off Heathside Park Road in Cheadle Heath has been chosen to replace the existing Bee Network depot off Daw Bank in the town centre that is to be redeveloped into housing.
Transport for Greater Manchester has been on the hunt for a replacement depot that could accommodate its growing fleet of electric buses for some time and had been eyeing up the ambulance station on Travis Brow. However, TfGM has now plumped for a site two miles from the town’s main bus station in Cheadle Heath.
Plans for the EV depot, which will be able to accommodate 200 buses, are to be submitted this summer with construction scheduled to begin in 2027 and complete in 2029.
In the meantime, two temporary depots – the former Heaton Lane car park and the former Lundy site off Kingston Street – will be used to house buses while ECF cracks on with the redevelopment of the Daw Bank site, part of the 1,300-home Stockport 8.
TfGM said it is on course to have a fully electric fleet by 2030. While Stockport is getting a brand-new depot, others across Greater Manchester, including Ashton and Middleton, have been electrified.
Chris Barnes, infrastructure delivery director at TfGM, said the Cheadle Heath site provided the “perfect opportunity to build the first electric bus depot of its kind in Greater Manchester”.
“Modernising the Bee Network means better services for passengers and cleaner air for everyone in Greater Manchester,” he said.
“That’s why we’ve been investing in our depots, upgrading them to accommodate our growing fleet of electric buses.”
Cllr Mark Roberts, leader of Stockport Council, said: “These proposals represent another important step in two major ambitions we share across Stockport: creating a modern, fully electric public transport network and continuing the transformation of Stockport town centre.
“The move to a purpose-built electric bus depot is intended to support the Bee Network’s journey towards a zero-emission fleet and sits alongside our wider regeneration ambitions, including Stockport 8, which will deliver new homes, public spaces and opportunities for future generations in the heart of our borough.
Now a depot site has been selected, the Daw Bank site is due to be demolished in early 2027 to make way for more the 435-home first phase of Stockport 8.
Drop-in sessions where residents can learn more and ask questions about the scheme will be held at Cheadle Library between 4.30pm and 7.30pm on Wednesday 17 June, and the Stockroom at Merseyway Shopping Centre between 4.30pm and 7pm on Thursday 18 June.
