The problem Greater Manchester train station needing ‘immediate attention’ as council plots £65m refurbishment

Stockport train station could get a £65m refurbishment under new plans to modernise the building. Four phases of work have been put forward to provide a new footbridge, new station entrances, refurbished platforms, and access improvements.

Councillor Grace Baynham has also called for a bridge to link platforms and replace the underpass, and an improved station building with better retail and hospitality options. The scheme aims to increase rail capacity to meet demand from its catchment area, which is thought to be around two million people who live within 30 minutes travel time of the station.

Stockport station is on the West Coast Mainline connecting London and Greater Manchester, but recently passengers have told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) that it needs improvements. Before Christmas, the railway station was found to have broken doors, damaged walls, and signs of wear and tear around platforms.

A council report highlighted a “poor customer experience” around the platforms and station building, and a “disconnect” between Stockport town centre and Edgeley. A business case prepared on the topic of improving the station found “positive analysis” for its potential, and that the initial estimate for costs of work was around £65m.

Further development funding has been secured from Network Rail, and the design and development stage of the station’s future is expected to be finished by the end of this year with the preferred option being to refurbish the station.

Ms Baynham said the station has fallen “into a state of disrepair and needs immediate attention” to be a suitable gateway to the borough. She added: “While there is so much good work being done in the surrounding area, a lot needs to be done to make the station one our residents can be proud of.”

Coun Baynham called for the government to commit HS2 money to improving travel infrastructure. The West Midlands to Manchester leg of the project was scrapped last year in a speech by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in Manchester.

The state of Stockport train station has also been highlighted by Stockport MP Navendu Mishra who has called for improvements. It is managed by Avanti West Coast, a company whose trains pass through Stockport on the West Coast Mainline

A company spokesperson said: “Stockport is a key hub on our route and we’re continuing to work with Network Rail, Transport for Greater Manchester and Stockport Council to progress plans to redevelop the station and make it a fitting gateway to the town.”

The area around Stockport station has been the focus of redevelopment in recent years, with a new car park and office buildings opening around the area.

The scheme – known as Stockport Exchange – has seen business such as Stagecoach, musicMagpie, Cafelito Stockport, Sainsbury’s Local, and Holiday Inn occupy office space on the site. It was designed around the station to offer access to Stockport, Manchester and beyond to businesses and commuters.