By George Lythgoe

The multi-million pound transformation of Stockport's bus station has reached a new milestone with the planting of the first trees in the rooftop park.

Now the oval structure of Stockport Interchange boasts what will become a new green space for locals to enjoy. Further landscaping work is underway to transform the area above the new bus interchange into a two-acre public greenspace in the heart of the town centre.

The project is committed to complying with Stockport Council's 2:1 tree planting policy, with a minimum of two trees planted for each one removed. 

A total of 95 new trees will be planted in the park, along with approximately 400 more across the wider development and town. In addition, the park has an in-built 'blue-roof' drainage system that will capture and store rainwater to allow controlled run-off into drainage outfall and watercourses, mitigating any flood risk and to further supplement the sustainable features within the development. 

This project forms part of the overall plan to transform this section of Stockport into a modern transport interchange. It will boast cycle links, more bus stands, a travelshop and 196 new, high-quality residential apartments off Daw Bank.

Key stakeholders and local leaders marked this latest step in the interchange's development by gathering to plant one of the first trees at the new park (Image - TfGM)

Cllr Mark Hunter, Leader of Stockport Council, said: "The interchange is a key part of our borough's £1 billion transformation, and the park will become a real asset for our town centre.

"The new park will be a fantastic green space in the heart of our town – a space that everyone will be able to use.

"It was a great moment to be able to plant one of the first trees in the park, and once they are established, they will have a positive impact on the area.

"I'm really looking forward to revealing more details in the upcoming months."

The interchange project, due to open in 2024, is being delivered by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), Stockport Council, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and contractor Willmott Dixon. 

Eamonn Boylan, Interim Chairman of Stockport MDC, said: "The development of Stockport Interchange has progressed at pace, and is well on track for completion by Spring 2024.

"It is exciting to see literal green shoots emerging in the town centre, and these new trees are just the beginning of a significant environmental strategy as part of the Town Centre West masterplan and wider town centre regeneration, that will radically improve the town's access to green public spaces.

"With its new park, its new accessible walkways and active travel routes that link the interchange to the river Mersey and the train station, and the creation of new homes and public spaces, the interchange is set to establish a new benchmark for town-centre transportation hubs."

The interchange is on track for completion in Spring 2024 (Image - TfGM)

The new interchange will feature a fully accessible, covered passenger concourse with seated waiting areas, 18 bus stands (with capacity to accommodate 168 bus departures per hour), cycle storage facilities and more. Solar panels are to be installed on both the roof of the 14-storey residential development and within the interchange itself to provide additional renewable energy resource.

Vernon Everitt, Transport Commissioner, said: "The progress towards delivering this new transport interchange and the wider regeneration of Stockport town centre is so impressive. 

"The new interchange will make it much easier for people to get around as part of the integrated Bee Network, joining up all public transport, cycling, walking and wheeling facilities. 

"The inclusion of green space open to everyone has always been integral to this project and the new rooftop park is already an impressive sight.  

"The entire project is a fantastic feat of design, planning and engineering. All the hard work of Stockport Council, Transport for Greater Manchester and Willmott Dixon is really paying off."

Anthony Dillon, managing director for Willmott Dixon in the north, added: "This landmark development is already having a positive and transformative impact on the Stockport skyline, so as we reach yet another milestone, we're proud to showcase the positive sustainable legacy the project and this fantastic new park are going to create."

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