The Metrolink coming to Stockport "could soon be confirmed" after political and business leaders from around Greater Manchester met to lay out plans to expand the network.

The Mayor of Greater Manchester met with the leader of Stockport Council and others to offer an update on the proposal which has been in the making for years.

Andy Burnham said the expansion of the network to Stockport would bring "huge social and economic benefits" to the town, with an update on the business case for the move due to be finished in the next 12 months.

He said: "We are developing the business cases to bring Metrolink to Stockport and redevelop the town's railway station, which, when combined with the arrival of the Bee Network franchised bus to the borough, would bring huge social and economic benefits to the town.

"I know the vision for Stockport is a compelling one, and I would like to bring our outstanding tram network to the borough as soon as we possibly can.

"TfGM, Stockport Council, and other stakeholders on a local, regional and national level are working hard to help us realise these ambitions and deliver the wider vision to help Stockport unlock its outstanding potential."

Part of the Metrolink plans involve the new interchange, which is designed to accomodate Metrolink should it arrive in future (Image - TfGM)

If the town is given the green light for work to begin, it could link up to the East Didsbury line and Manchester Airport, offering residents a range of public transport connections to places around Greater Manchester and beyond.

Councillor Mark Hunter, leader of Stockport council, said the borough has "everything in place" for work to begin expanding the network.

He said: "Stockport has delivered in recent years – both in terms of regenerating our town centre and improving our existing infrastructure.

"The area around the station is all set to be transformed into homes for more than 7,000 more people – the town needs transport infrastructure that keeps up with the 21st century and makes this a truly neighbourhood that inspires future generations.

"We believe that we have a social and economic case to bring Metrolink to Stockport, but there is still a lot of work to do. Everything is in place for Stockport, we're just waiting for the green light to get work started."

Mr Burnham confirmed his seriousness about the plans on BBC Radio Manchester yesterday (Thu 21 December) (Image - Manchester Metrolink)

Stockport's new multi-million-pound transport interchange, which will open in March next year, has been designed to accommodate the arrival of Metrolink in future, as the town centre undergoes a huge transformation with thousands of new homes set to be built on brownfield sites.

Eamonn Boylan, interim chair of Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation, said: "Stockport Rail Station is the single most important economic asset in Stockport Town Centre and is at the heart of Town Centre West. The connectivity it provides to Manchester, London, and a number of other regional cities is invaluable to the town, to the city region, and to the wider northern and national rail networks.

"Enhancing Stockport's role as the transport hub for the south of Greater Manchester while maximising its role as an economic driver for Stockport is a longstanding ambition for the Council that is shared by the MDC. The event today is a leading example of how business leaders, developers and key political figures can work together to drive forward this ambition."

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