A significant leap forward in Stockport town centre’s multimillion-pound transformation is underway as Mersey Square prepares for a major overhaul. The initiation of a new pedestrian zone, scheduled to commence on January 8, 2024, will impact certain bus services in the vibrant area. This ambitious project aims to enhance the town’s aesthetic appeal by creating a pedestrian-friendly space, temporarily displacing bus services that residents rely on at Mersey Square’s bus stops.
The development, spanning the area between the Merseyway shopping centre and Wellington Road, intends to improve the town’s allure while ensuring pedestrians retain access to the area during the road closure. Simultaneously, the construction will introduce a new taxi rank at the entrance to the Interchange, contributing to the overall improvement of transportation facilities.
To facilitate these changes, specific bus services will be rerouted to different stands, including a temporary stop on Exchange Street, until the town’s new transport interchange officially opens in the spring. This marks a crucial phase in the £1 billion investment programme led by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), Stockport council, Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC), and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA).
The cabinet member for highways, parks, and leisure services expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, “These works in Mersey Square are another element of the multi-million pound transformation of our town centre. Once complete, the new area will provide a great new space in front of Merseyway.”
The broader initiative is a fundamental aspect of the Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) masterplan, covering 130 acres of the town centre. The masterplan envisions transforming the area into a mix of housing, workspace, leisure facilities, and local amenities.
The head of projects group at TfGM emphasized the significance of the Mersey Square closure, describing it as the next crucial stage in the landmark project for Stockport and Greater Manchester. Assuring the public, the spokesperson stated that efforts are underway to minimize the short-term impact on passengers during the construction phase.
“The interchange is now rapidly taking shape and, in addition to being a key part of the transformation of Stockport town centre, it is also a key part of the Bee Network, connecting bus, rail, and active travel, allowing for seamless journeys across the borough and beyond,” added the spokesperson.
The new transport interchange, situated beneath a vast two-acre rooftop park, is set to offer a range of amenities, including 196 new apartments. Notably, it will grant public access to the River Mersey, contributing to the town’s connectivity and recreational offerings. A pedestrian and cycle route will connect the interchange to the railway station and Stockport Exchange, the town’s commercial hub.
The project, a collaboration between TfGM, Stockport council, Stockport MDC, GMCA, building contractor Willmott Dixon, and development partner CityRise, underscores a commitment to revitalizing Stockport’s urban landscape. The anticipated opening of bus services and the park is set for early Spring 2024, marking the realization of a transformative vision for Stockport town centre. As construction progresses, the community is encouraged to support and cooperate, recognizing that short-term inconveniences will pave the way for long-term benefits and a revitalized urban experience.
