A captivating time-lapse video showcases the progress of Stockport’s new multi-million pound development. This impressive project includes 18 bus stands with a capacity for 164 departures an hour, a two-acre town centre park, and 196 high-quality apartments. Since construction began in autumn 2022, the development has rapidly taken shape.
Not only will the development boast state-of-the-art facilities, but it will also provide convenient accessibility for residents and visitors. A new pedestrian and cycle route will connect the town’s rail station, while a spiral ramp will link the park to the Mersey frontage, Trans Pennine Trail, and the town centre. This will greatly enhance mobility and ease of transportation.
The park itself will be a unique green space, open for residents from all over the borough to enjoy. It will feature play equipment, festoon lighting, and an events pavilion, encouraging connections between Stockport’s neighbourhoods and communities.
Excitingly, plans are underway for an opening celebration event, which will be part of Stockport’s Town of Culture events programme. As the opening date draws near, new photographs reveal the latest progress of the development. Notably, the eye-catching spiral ramp is nearing completion and will be unveiled shortly after the interchange and park.
The site’s progress continues to impress, with recent milestones including landscaping works on the park, installation of the spiral ramp’s final sections, and the ongoing decoration and installation inside the interchange. Additionally, the construction of the cycle and pedestrian link to Station Road is well underway, with the stair link to Exchange Street taking shape and the planting of trees and plants commencing.
Cllr Mark Hunter, Leader of Stockport Council, expressed his delight at the transformation of the bus station into a modern transport interchange. He eagerly anticipates the public’s use of the new facilities, walkways, cycling routes, and the rooftop park, which offers stunning views of the town centre. This development is part of a £1 billion investment aimed at improving Stockport and making it an even better place to live, work, play, and connect.
Chris Barnes, Head of Projects Group at Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), shared his excitement about the nearing completion of the interchange. He emphasized the development’s state-of-the-art nature and its significance in the transformation of Stockport town centre. The Bee Network initiative in Greater Manchester aims to facilitate easier commuting by integrating buses and rail through pedestrian and cycling routes, exemplified by this interchange.
This scheme is a significant component of the broader investment programme in Stockport town centre. It is a collaborative effort between Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), Stockport MDC, Stockport Council, and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), in partnership with building contractor Willmott Dixon and development partner CityRise.
Covering an impressive 10,000 sq m, this regeneration project forms a crucial part of the Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) masterplan. The plan envisions the transformation of 130 acres of the town centre into new housing, workspace, leisure facilities, and local amenities.
Anthony Dillon, managing director of Willmott Dixon in the North, expressed his commitment to not only delivering an interchange and residential development that the town can be proud of, but also changing lives and creating opportunities for the people of Stockport. The project has already generated 151 new jobs, provided over 675 weeks of apprenticeship and training, and offered 56 work placements. Willmott Dixon continues to collaborate with local organizations to provide employment opportunities for individuals facing barriers to work.
Through partnerships with Stockport College and initiatives such as the Work Place Safari program, the company has also supported young people in securing employment, apprenticeships, and higher technical roles in the construction industry. Additionally, Willmott Dixon has raised awareness of construction careers among young people through various education programs and collaborations with schools and charitable organizations.
As the development nears completion, excitement builds for the opening of Stockport’s new interchange. The project showcases the town’s commitment to progress and improvement, and it is set to enhance connectivity and quality of life for residents and visitors alike.
