“Better than anything London has got” - Stockport Interchange officially opens
"Better than anything London has got."
Supposedly the words of Vernon Everitt, Greater Manchester's transport commissioner (and former Transport for London director, for the record), upon seeing Stockport's new travel interchange.
It certainly surmises the optimism and excitement at the official opening of Stockport Interchange this morning (18 March).
Both the station and rooftop park are now open to the public, following the unveiling ceremony which featured speeches from Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, Stockport Council leader Mark Hunter, and Cityheart managing director Mark McNamee.
The new interchange houses 18 bus stands, with the capacity for 164 departures per hour. Find a full list of the services and the stands they use HERE.
Furthermore, the rooftop greenspace - named 'Viaduct Park' by an overwhelming public vote - features plants and trees, play equipment, lighting and even an events pavilion.
What's more, the adjoining block of 196 apartments, and integrated commercial space, will also open in May.
It certainly feels like an exciting time for Stockport, and Andy Burnham said as much in his opening speech.
"I can see quite a few broad smiles on faces this morning. It has that effect, doesn't it?", he said.
"It's a vision of the future, this. We're going to have over 100 electric buses when Bee Network starts next year."
The mayor also added that Metrolink will come 'as soon as possible' to Stockport, and that the interchange is ready to accommodate when it does.
He also outlined plans to make the interchange the heart of "the country's first fully-integrated, all electric public transport system".
He added: "When you've got a fully zero-emission public transport system, close to modern flats and apartments - low-carbon buildings - this is what, I think, will drive the future.
"We're building modern, affordable low-carbon homes [...] building for public transport rather than the car, breathing new life into a town like Stockport."
Cllr Mark Hunter also spoke at the opening, which he described as "a momentous day for Stockport".
"It marks a big milestone in what has been our £1bn town centre regeneration", he said.
Referencing Stockport's glowing reports in the national press of late, he also said: "It's not just us saying we're one of the most exciting towns around - it's coming from people far and wide, and we couldn't agree more.
"We're committed to making Stockport a place that everyone is proud to call home. [...]
"[Viaduct Park] is a great nod to our heritage, and an important feature of the Stockport skyline.
"The park is the first of its kind in the UK [...] with residential development, and active transport links as well. We've got it all.
"We're not stopping here. Over the next decade, we aim to become the region's most sustainable and livable town centre."
Similarly, Cityheart director Mark McNamee said this new interchange would set a precedent across the country for the future.
Speaking to Nub News, he said: "We see Stockport as the future. You've got the success of Manchester, and you've not got these concentric rings moving out to embrace other areas.
"Stockport is so well connected, and the local authority gets things done."
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