Press Releases

15 August 2008

Multi-Million pound investment in Stockport Town Centre

The Transport Innovation Fund (TIF) package will change the face of Stockport with the town's outdated bus station being replaced by a multi-million pound state-of-the-art interchange for local, regional and national travel.

A lift between the transport interchange and the Mersey Square district will offer easier access for families, disabled users and busy shoppers, while a bridge will offer people safe access to the A6.

Those people working, shopping or socialising in the town centre will benefit from new bus routes into Manchester and a dramatic increase in the quality, cleanliness and reliability of the buses in use.

As part of the overall TIF package, families and commuters in Stockport can also look forward to easier changes between services, improved and safer waiting facilities, more park and ride facilities, longer trains and a fleet of yellow school buses.

As well as improved bus and train services in the town, the interchange will bring the prospect of a Metrolink service significantly closer.

Lord Peter Smith said: “TIF will have a significant, positive impact on businesses, families and commuters in Stockport, delivering more trains at peak times and a far more integrated bus service starting earlier and finishing later. The new interchange will also allow for far more integration between trains, buses and trams. 

“Coupled with a modern, state-of-the-art interchange that will enhance the landscape of Stockport, people living in the town really do have much to look forward to.”

A public consultation about the TIF package - an investment of up to £3 billion to boost Greater Manchester's public transport system - will be held throughout the summer, with a mobile exhibition stopping at Sainsbury's, Cheadle Royal on Tue 12 August, Morrison's, Bredbury on Thu 28 August, Mersey Square, Stockport on Sat 13 and Sun 14 September and Morrison's, Reddish on Wed 24 September to tell people about the transport improvements and congestion charging scheme.

The Association of Greater Manchester Authorities (AGMA) has decided to hold a referendum on TIF and the congestion charge across all Greater Manchester districts later in 2008.