Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham officially opened the £140 million Stockport Interchange bus station earlier today.
With 18 bus stands and capacity for 164 departures per hour, the Interchange has been designed with future integration with the Metrolink tram and light rail network in mind.
The completion of the redevelopment of the 130-acre brownfield site comes ahead Stockport joining the franchised Bee Network in January 2025.
The Interchange has a covered passenger concourse with seated waiting areas and bus and train travel information screens.
Above it is a two-acre park, claimed to be the first park to have been built on top of a transport hub.
Mr Burnham says: “Stockport now has an absolutely world-class transport interchange that will play a key role in bringing prosperity to the town and its people in the future.
“Safe, reliable and affordable public transport and active travel facilities are central to improving life for people and businesses in Greater Manchester and I have no doubt this impressive new interchange will do just that.
“These new connections will open up more opportunities for people to access jobs, skills and education, while supporting the regeneration of the area by attracting increased footfall and investment…
“In January 2025, the Bee Network is coming to Stockport and eventually it will be the first area in Greater Manchester serviced by a fully electric bus fleet. By providing people with a modern, attractive and accessible interchange we will get more people on these buses – allowing us to keep prices down and continue to improve the network.”
