Stockport’s new transport interchange and rooftop park will open in March. The new interchange will welcome bus passengers from Sunday 17 March with the new rooftop park opening the following day.
Operator Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) says the multi-million pound development, which has 18 bus stands and a capacity for 164 departures an hour, will boost connectivity in the town centre, offering a connection to the railway station by a new walking and cycling route.
The park above will be a green space featuring play equipment, festoon lighting, and a community space that TfGM says will help to connect Stockport’s neighbourhoods and communities.
Plans have been confirmed to host an opening celebration event as part of Stockport’s Town of Culture events programme the following weekend on 23 and 24 March.
Passengers can start to use the new interchange from the 17 March, when some nearby stops, including Heaton Lane bus station will close and services will transfer to the new Interchange.
Greater Manchester Transport Commissioner Vernon Everitt said: “We can’t wait to welcome passengers to the new, state of the art interchange at Stockport – complete with town centre park – from 17 March.
“The old bus station has been transformed into a modern, attractive and accessible interchange with facilities for customers and staff fit for the 21st century. It will help people to make journeys around Stockport, Greater Manchester and further afield and will be a central element in the introduction of Bee Network buses in Stockport from January 2025.
“I urge everyone to make sure they are familiar with where they need to go to catch their bus before the interchange opens.”
Leader of Stockport Council Cllr Mark Hunter added: “We’re now in a position to reveal the date of the opening of the Interchange and our new, unique, town centre park and it’s fantastic that we’re so close. The progress that has been made to date has been truly transformational for our town centre, which is all part of the exciting £1 billion investment that’s underway to make Stockport an even better place in which to live, work, play and connect.”
The new interchange features a passenger concourse with seating areas, accessible toilets and Changing Places facilities, step-free access provided by lifts and ramps, wayfinding lines and tactile stand indicators. Cycle parking facilities and a taxi rank are also available.
