Four new railway stations could be built in one Greater Manchester area that is 'on the rise' with work due to start on the first within the next year.

The new details have emerged in a new draft transport strategy published ahead of a Stockport Council meeting on June 8. This policy promises to make everyday journeys 'easier, safer and more reliable' through improved train, bus, tram, and active travel routes across the borough.

Cllr Grace Baynham, who oversees transport services at the council, said the policy 'sets out how we will turn that ambition into reality', adding: "We can create a transport system that not only meets the needs of today, but helps power a more ambitious, connected and sustainable future for Stockport."

Among many things, the policy includes seven aims to improve transport by 2042 from a revamped Stockport station, a new railway station in Cheadle, step free access on more platforms, as well as the extension of the Didsbury tramline to Stockport.

The local authority also wants to see improved connections to Manchester Airport potentially through a new east-west rapid bus transit service and options may also be explored to extend the tram network into the borough further going forward.

The new train station in Cheadle, next to the Alexandra Hospital, will run services into Stockport, Manchester Piccadilly, and Chester. Alongside this, the council also wants to push for greater connections from existing train stations into Stockport and Piccadilly.

There has been criticism over the lack of progress on the Cheadle station project. It has been a long way with funding approved in 2022 and planning permission granted in 2023.

Now, the local authority document said: "Our aim is that scheme delivery will start at the station over the coming year, with TfGM [Transport for Greater Manchester] expected to take over operation and maintenance of the station site once the works are completed."

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The council also 'plan to investigate the potential for a new rail station at Stanley Green, which could support planned development in Heald Green'

The document added: "We also have historically considered the potential for a new rail station at High Lane, with recognition to the impact this would have on Middlewood station, while a potential new rail station at Adswood on the Mid-Cheshire line is recognised to likely be dependent of future tram-train proposals."

On extensions to the Manchester tram network from Didsbury, the council said TfGFM 'is progressing work to establish this business case alongside further development of potential tram / tram-train route options'. Options for routes are being identified with funding coming from a £2.5bn fund.

Beyond the Didsbury line, the council report said recent work 'has indicated it may be possible to operate tram-train services between Stockport and the Airport'. This would go via the mid-Cheshire line and call at the new Cheadle station.

Those plans depend on a number of factors and could even connect up to the new railway planned to run between Liverpool, Warrington, and Manchester. Tram services could also run in the future from Manchester Piccadilly to Rose Hill Marple via Guide Bridge as well as Marple via Bredbury.

The existing railway line between Reddish and Denton could also be turned into a new tramline though this is currently considered unlikely due to gaps between populated areas and a low density of people living in the area. However in the future, circumstances may change and the underused line could be used more in the future as Stockport becomes better connected.

Redeveloping Stockport station, the council want to turn it into 'a state-of-the-art thriving transport hub' with a new eastern concourse, a new footbridge, a new Edgeley western entrance, refurbished subway, and better access. Work is currently progressing to look at funding works at the station through local transport funding.

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