Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has awarded Willmott Dixon Construction Ltd a multi-million-pound contract to deliver a new transport interchange in Stockport town centre.

The interchange is on the site of the old bus station in Stockport town centre and is part of a major redevelopment scheme being undertaken by TfGM, Stockport Council, and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), with CityHeart and Rise Homes as the appointed Development Partner, and Gresham House as equity investor for the residential element of the scheme.

A key feature of the interchange is a two-acre rooftop park that will provide improved leisure and recreation opportunities in Stockport town centre as well as creating more green space. It is expected that the park will encourage wildlife and biodiversity as well as provide a safe environment for people to meet and relax.

Beneath the rooftop park, there will be a fully accessible covered passenger concourse with seated waiting areas, cycle storage facilities, and 20 bus stands.

From the interchange, there will be new cycling and walking routes to the railway station, Trans Pennine Trail, and Stockport town centre. In a small nod to the past, the new interchange will also feature a couple of GMPTE glass panels from the old bus station.

Additional funding for the residential element has been secured, contracts have been signed, and construction of the interchange is now underway.

As a part of the project, Willmott Dixon will work with local supply chain partners to create 40 local jobs and provide apprenticeship and trainee programmes to upskill the next generation of construction professionals.

Willmott Dixon will also run three Building Lives Academies on site that will provide employment and training programmes to enable local care leavers, ex-military personnel, and people with disabilities to gain valuable construction skills, experience, and support into employment.

Chris Barnes, Head of Projects Group at TfGM said: “We are delighted to be working with Willmott Dixon to bring together this landmark development for Stockport town centre.

“The new interchange, which is due to open to passengers in 2024, will act as a welcoming gateway for the town and provides much improved facilities for public transport users, in line with the standards that have been set at the numerous other new interchanges we have delivered across Greater Manchester in recent years.

“It will also see the delivery of easier and improved routes into the wider town centre and to the railway station, as well as improved accessibility between the interchange and the A6.”

Cllr David Meller, Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration, said: “I’m really excited that we are creating a state-of-the-art transport hub for the borough, which will encourage use of sustainable transport, but also good quality new homes and a rooftop park in the heart of the town centre for people to spend time in and enjoy.

“Indeed, the rooftop park is the first new park in the area for decades and as we’ve seen with the pandemic, the desire for more green space is huge.

“Work has now begun on the new interchange – the site is already unrecognisable, with the old station fully demolished – and I’m looking forward to following its progress over the upcoming months.”

Anthony Dillon, Managing Director for Willmott Dixon in the North, said: “We are proud to be working in partnership with TfGM, Stockport Council and the development, design and funding partners to play our part in shaping the future of Stockport town centre and creating a transformational new gateway for local people.

“This is an exciting investment in Stockport, and the project’s dynamic design will boost the town centre’s biodiversity and create a vibrant, innovative space that celebrates the town’s rich history and unique character.”

More details about the new interchange can be seen here.