The brand new transport interchange is set to welcome bus passengers from Sunday 17th March, followed by the opening of the unique rooftop park the next day. This impressive development, costing millions of pounds, will greatly improve connectivity in the town centre. With 18 bus stands and the capacity for 164 departures per hour, it will accommodate a large number of passengers. Furthermore, the interchange will be conveniently linked to the train station via a new walking and cycling route.
The park itself will be a delightful green space that can be enjoyed by residents from all over the borough. It will feature play equipment, beautiful festoon lighting, and a community space designed to bring Stockport’s neighbourhoods and communities closer together. To celebrate its opening, an event will be held as part of Stockport’s Town of Culture events programme on the weekend of March 23rd and 24th.
Passengers will be able to start using the new interchange on March 17th, at which point some nearby stops, including Heaton Lane bus station, will close and services will be transferred to the new Interchange. A full list of bus services that will utilize the new interchange, as well as information on which stops will be closing, can be found on our website.
Vernon Everitt, the Greater Manchester Transport Commissioner, expressed his excitement for the opening of the state-of-the-art interchange and town centre park. He emphasized that the old bus station has been completely transformed into a modern, attractive, and accessible interchange, equipped with facilities suitable for the 21st century. This development will greatly facilitate journeys around Stockport, Greater Manchester, and beyond. Additionally, it will play a central role in the introduction of Bee Network buses in Stockport from January 2025. Everitt urged everyone to familiarize themselves with the new interchange before its opening on March 17th.
Cllr Mark Hunter, Leader of Stockport Council, revealed the long-awaited opening date of the Interchange and the town centre park. He expressed his delight at the remarkable progress that has been made so far, which has truly transformed the town centre. This progress is part of an exciting £1 billion investment aimed at making Stockport an even better place to live, work, play, and connect. The opening of the site is just the beginning of the amazing plans the Council has in store for Stockport this year, including the Town of Culture Weekend on March 23rd and 24th.
Passengers will have access to the interchange from entrances on Mersey Square, Swaine Street, and Daw Bank starting from March 17th, with clear signage to guide them. From March 18th, there will also be access to the interchange from the new rooftop park via lifts and stairs. The interchange itself features a fully accessible passenger concourse with seating areas for waiting passengers. It is equipped with fully accessible toilets and Changing Places facilities, along with step-free access provided by lifts and ramps. Wayfinding lines and tactile stand indicators have been installed for ease of navigation.
For those traveling by bicycle, cycle parking facilities can be found in the A6 archway along the Mersey frontage. Additionally, a taxi rank for customers will be located near the Interchange pavilion exit on Mersey Square. To further enhance accessibility, a new walking and cycling path will connect Station Road and the train station to the new park. This segregated route will provide step-free, easy, and safe access for pedestrians and cyclists between the two destinations. The opening of this new route and the park itself will take place on the morning of March 18th.
As the development opening approaches, the park’s name will soon be revealed. After collaborating with local community groups to generate name choices, a shortlist was created and put up for public vote. Furthermore, from the end of April, an eye-catching spiral and cycle walking ramp will open, connecting the new park with an area along the River Mersey and the Trans Pennine Trail. This will provide convenient access to the park and the town centre for cyclists and pedestrians.
As part of the scheme, a new residential block comprising 196 high-quality one and two-bedroom apartments is also being constructed. This landmark building is targeted for completion in May, with residents expected to move in the following month.
