Green light for new Stockport bus station

Plans to transform Stockport Bus Station into an eye-catching and modern transport interchange, with rooftop park and residential development have been approved by Stockport Council’s Planning and Highways Regulation Committee.

Along with funding also being secured for a new cycling and walking bridge which would link the interchange with Stockport rail station, the project will form a key part of a wider £1bn regeneration of the town centre.

Located alongside the A6 and Mersey Square, the multi-million-pound development will be funded by Transport for Greater Manchester, Stockport Council and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), with support from central government through the Greater Manchester Local Growth Deal programme.

The interchange will have a fully accessible, covered passenger concourse with seated waiting areas, Travelshop for tickets and travel advice, and both bus and train travel information screens.

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: “I’m delighted that the Stockport Interchange, residential development and park plans have been given the go-ahead. Stockport is a key area for me and one that I’m keen to see benefit from even better transport infrastructure as outlined in Greater Manchester’s 2040 Transport Strategy.

“Combining easy and accessible transport links with town centre living and green open space, the project encapsulates what could become an innovative template for modern transport hubs in our city-region.

“I’m confident that, once open, the interchange, park and apartments will form an important part of our proposed Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation, successfully tackling town centre regeneration and the need for good quality housing.”

Construction of the new interchange scheme could start by spring next year, with completion estimated for 2023.