By George Lythgoe

Transport bosses have confirmed a new rooftop park will have CCTV following fears it 'could become a new Piccadilly Gardens'.

Local politicians have expressed their fear Stockport Interchange development could become like the city centre gardens where anti-social behaviour, drug dealing and other serious criminality has been a problem for years. 

Despite excitement about the multi-million pound development to transform the old bus station, councillors were alarmed when bosses said CCTV or security patrols were not included in plans earlier this week.

Mark Glynn, Director of Place Management, apologised to the scrutiny committee who he misled regarding CCTV at the park. 

"We confirmed there will be CCTV in the bus station (at the previous meeting), but there will also be CCTV in the park above," he said at the Economy, Regeneration & Climate Change Scrutiny Committee meeting on Thursday. 

"However I think the key element of making this park a success is to animate the park, bring people to it, and make sure it is a well used and well loved park. 

"Apologies to this committee for the slight mistake in my remarks from Monday's committee."

A model for the new interchange, block of flats, and riverside walk (Image - Stockport Council)

Cllr Colin MacAlister, cabinet member for Economy, Regeneration and Housing, claimed this project should be applauded for bringing a new park to residents. He said 'It is important to make this park a much well loved park'.

Cllr MacAlister went on to say that there will be around 300 residents looking onto it 'day and night' – which he claims is a great security detail in of itself. The confirmation of CCTV at the park, which is due to open in spring 2024, was a relief for both Cllr Claire Vibert and Cllr Dena Ryness. 

"Thank you for clarifying the CCTV as I was going to ask about safety," Cllr Dena Ryness said. "Having good lighting and CCTV gives people confidence and security. It will be the difference between people visiting and not visiting the park."

Cllr Claire Vibert added: "I can tell you from my own personal experience that when you're a woman walking home on your own at night you don't necessarily feel safe. I think it should be taken seriously.

"Between now and when it is open I would appreciate more information about security aspects for the park."

The town centre is changing beyond all recognition, with thousands of new homes built, shops being overhauled and public areas given a makeover. 

Lighting, new cycle links, more bus stands, a travelshop and 196 new high-quality apartments off Daw Bank will help deter anti-social behaviour at the new park, it was claimed. Increased footfall at the park will also help, it was said.

Cllr Pete West explained that he was 'disappointed' to see members talking down the risks and security at the site. He told the committee it is on his current commute and that 'it doesn't feel like a particularly unsafe area'.

~

Free from clickbait, pop-up ads and unwanted surveys, Stockport Nub News is a quality online newspaper for our town.

To get our top stories in your inbox each week, subscribe to our free weekly newsletter HERE.

Please consider following Stockport Nub News on Facebook or Twitter