Stockport bus station is set to close to passengers from Sunday 29 August as part of a major redevelopment scheme which will deliver a new £120m transport interchange and help to transform the town centre.
The project, being undertaken by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and Stockport Council, working with Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) will also see a temporary new bus station opening on Heaton Lane on 29 August. This will ensure bus passengers continue to have access to a central bus station facility in Stockport town centre throughout the works.
The new multi-million pound interchange, which is due to open to passengers in 2024, will act as a welcoming gateway into Stockport town centre and provide much improved facilities for bus users. It will also see the delivery of easier and improved routes into the town centre and to the railway station, as well as improved accessibility between the interchange and the A6.
A TfGM Travelshop has been located in nearby Mersey Square to ensure customers can continue to access travel information and buy tickets and passes as required.
Opening the temporary bus station at this time will ensure that the facility is available ahead of the return of schools in September and likely further return of employees to the workplace.
Stephen Rhodes, Customer Director at TfGM, said: “It’s great news that this project is progressing well and we are now at the point where the temporary bus station can open up ahead of work getting underway at the old bus station, which has served Stockport since 1981.
“We appreciate there may be some disruption as people get used to the new arrangements are put in place, but the temporary bus station offers a safe, convenient and easy to find location while the main works to create Stockport’s new transformational interchange are carried out.”
Cllr David Meller, Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration at Stockport Council, said: “This is a landmark moment for the town centre and our borough as we finally say goodbye to the current station that’s served us so well since it opened 40 years ago. Many a Stopfordian has passed through it and the memories it conjures up will live on.
“Nevertheless, the current station has had its time and Stockport Interchange promises to transform our town centre for the better with its new two-acre park above while further embedding Stockport’s commitment to sustainable and active travel.
“This is a really exciting time and the temporary station and on-street bus stops will ensure a full bus service continues while work on Stockport Interchange takes place.”
During construction of the main interchange, Daw Bank will be reduced to a single carriageway with traffic permitted into the town centre. Diversion notifications will be in place for road users travelling out from the town centre. Swaine Street will be closed during the works however, access to TN Robinson’s car park will remain available at all times.
