Bury Interchange redevelopment work set to start in November
The redevelopment will see a new footbridge built, access improvements, and upgrades to facilities, with the first phase expected to be completed in early 2028.
Work is due to start on the major redevelopment of Bury Interchange later this month.
The plans would see a new footbridge built, access improvements, and upgrades to facilities. Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) say this multi-million-pound scheme will transform the site into a modern and accessible transport hub.
Work on the project will be delivered in two phases. The first step will see the construction of the new footbridge and improvements to tram platforms, due to start in mid-November.
Once the first phase is complete, work can then begin on redeveloping the whole of Bury Interchange. The idea behind this redevelopment is to make it easier for people to travel on the Bee Network by bus, tram, walking, wheeling or cycling.
The new footbridge will connect Union Square and Pyramid Park with a new lift providing step-free access to the Metrolink platforms. Canopies will also be replaced, alongside upgrades to lighting, signage and CCTV, passenger information displays and ticket machines.
The new bridge will allow continued access to the trams when the anticipated demolition of the current interchange and building of the new one happens. Trams will continue running to Bury throughout most of the project, although TfGM have warned of some planned disruption to journeys in the future.
Oldham-based company Willmott Dixon has been appointed by TfGM to carry out the first phase of work at Bury Interchange at a cost of £17.9m, which is expected to be completed in early 2028.
Bev Craig, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: “Bury Interchange has been here for over 40 years and it’s served the community well – thousands of people pass through it every day. But everyone can see it’s becoming worn out, so it’s about time we invested in it and made it a proper gateway to the town centre.
“This will be brilliant for Bury and I’m so pleased that we’re getting on with delivering it.”
This work will pave the way for the full redevelopment of the interchange. New apartments are also planned as part of the second phase of the project, which is due to start in 2028.
Between 70 and 80 apartments have been earmarked for the developments across a six-storey block. While TfGM initially advertised the scheme as fully affordable in its procurement notice, it has now said it is ‘tenure agnostic’.
Councillor Charlotte Morris, cabinet member for Regeneration and Growth at Bury council, said: “The transformation of Bury Interchange is a key part of our long-term vision for the town centre and the wider regeneration of Bury. This investment is about much more than improving transport links.
“It is about creating a modern, accessible gateway to our town that supports new homes, better connections, increased footfall for local businesses and a stronger local economy. The Interchange sits at the heart of our masterplan for Bury town centre.
“Alongside projects such as the Market Flexi Hall, Mill Gate improvements, Pyramid Park and new town centre housing, this redevelopment will help create a town centre that is better connected, more attractive and fit for the future. By putting high-quality public transport at the centre of our plans, we are making it easier for people to live, work, visit and invest in Bury.”
Part of the Metrolink car park will be used for a construction site compound while work takes place, but most of the parking spaces will still be available throughout the first phase of the project.
There may be some short-term closures of the car park during this phase of work. However, alternative Metrolink Park and Ride parking will be available at Radcliffe and Whitefield, according to TfGM.