By George Lythgoe

A huge new transport interchange in Stockport could become 'the new Piccadilly Gardens', it has been claimed.

Local politicians say they're excited about the massive development, which includes a rooftop park, but they're concerned about security.

The mammoth construction project, which is well underway, will see the area around the Stockport's old bus station transformed. The town centre is changing beyond all recognition, with thousands of new homes built, shops being overhauled and public areas given a makeover.

The town hall's latest communities and transport scrutiny committee was told some councillors are concerned there will be no CCTV or security teams monitoring the park when it opens in spring 2024. 

Councillor Yvonne Guariento asked if undercover security teams would be patrolling the area and what security measures will actually be in place.

There are concerns it could become similar to Manchester's Piccadilly Gardens, where anti-social behaviour, drug dealing and other serious criminality has been a problem for years.

Image showing the proposed new walking and cycling bridge and rooftop park in Stockport (Image - Stockport Council)

Cllr Matt Wynne added: "I have got to share Cllr Guariento's concerns over the lack of detail on maintenance and community safety. I'm going around bits of the town centre at the moment and it is starting to look a bit grotty and I don't want it [the interchange] to become a reflection of that, because it is straining existing budgets. 

"We don't want this turning into Piccadilly Gardens, that is one of the concerns. I think it won't in some ways because those mistakes have been taken into consideration. I spend quite a bit of time in the town centre and it can sometimes be an uncomfortable place to walk through. There is a fear that could be replicated."

Cllr Frankie Singleton, cabinet member for communities, culture and sport; and Cllr Grace Baynham, cabinet member for parks, highways and transport services, assured members any issues will be dealt with. The committee heard undercover security patrols and CCTV are not in the current plans. 

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 Steve Gribbon agreed, using Mayfield Park in Manchester. "Build it and they will come," he said. Committee chair Cllr Joe Barratt asked for more detail on safety management as he questioned the decision not to include CCTV. The committee was told a more detailed security plan will be worked up.

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