Greater Manchester transport hub ‘ready to welcome’ first passengers with opening just days away

The countdown to the opening of Stockport’s brand-new transport hub is almost complete. Passengers will be welcomed into the new interchange this weekend. 

Sunday, March 17 is the big day for the project, which is part of a wider redevelopment of the town. The building will open with 18 bus stands as well as the capacity for 164 departures per hour. 

The interchange will have several entrances which will welcome passengers from different directions across the town. The building will be accessible from Mersey Square, Swaine Street and Daw Bank. 

In addition to the interchange, the new project will see the opening of a new rooftop park which will be above the bus station aspect. The park will be fully accessible via lifts and stairs from Monday, March 18. 

The interchange, which has good connections to the town's train station, opens amidst calls for the Greater Manchester Metrolink to be extended to Stockport. Mayor Andy Burnham has regularly commented on hopes to extend the network around the region- including to Stockport.

Chris Barnes, Head of Projects Group at Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) said: “We’re really looking forward to welcoming the first bus passengers to this modern, attractive and accessible new interchange.  

“It’s a big moment for Stockport and Greater Manchester and we want everyone to make the most of the new facilities on offer right from the outset.  

“New timetables and other important information are now available so people can make themselves familiar with the new arrangement ahead of Sunday – ensuring their first journey is a smooth and enjoyable one.”