I went down to the long-awaited new Stockport interchange and found it's so much more than just buses

Stockport’s new building on the block is nothing short of impressive. The long-awaited travel hub was a huge project that started back in 2021. The £140m building was officially opened March 17, alongside the Viaduct Park which sits on top of the station.

During the construction period, the project created around 151 jobs, enabled 56 work placements and held 675 weeks of apprenticeship and training weeks, according to the construction company chosen to build the interchange, Willmott Dixon. Now it's seen as a key part of the Bee Network's future and ultimately extending the Metrolink to the town.

It's also part of a £1billion regeneration of Stockport that means it is increasingly the go-to place in the region. But after three years of waiting and now the building is finally open – is it as good as what was promised?  

My first impressions of the building’s exterior were that it was modern and clean, its windows and bright yellow sign creating an inviting community space. Although it's a large building, it does not look out of place as I expected it to be. Its industrial look fits perfectly with its neighbouring buildings and the MerseyWay shopping centre. 

The inside is well lit and spacious, with large windows to help make the space more breathable. The hub is largely accessible, with ramps and lifts to the park up top. Additionally, there are plans for a café and convenience shop are set to open in April. Bus timetables are available at almost any point in the hub via digital displays or physical copies outside every bus stop. Alongside a handful of helpful staff members walking around the interchange, the ticket office and helpdesk, which is located near the back of the building, is handy to ensure people find the right bus route.

The newly-dubbed Viaduct Park on top of the bus station is the icing on top of the cake. The flora dotted around the park is very tasteful and pretty to look at. The abundance of seats around the park is a perfect space to sit and chat in the sun with friends.

There’s even things for kids to do with a small play area. The best view isn’t the Hat Museum or viaduct, but looking down to where all the buses park up in the interchange through the building’s open top roof. I was really impressed after my first walk round, and it looks like it will be a real asset for the community.