A report to the council communities & transport scrutiny committee has recommended a number of 'next steps' to set out Stockport's continuing case for a Metrolink network and secure funding.

The report - under the name 'Next Stop Stockport' - stated: "Beyond the direct transport benefits, Metrolink connectivity to Stockport has the potential to deliver truly transformational economic, environmental and social benefits for the borough."

The case for Metrolink has been ongoing for a number of years. Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham committed in 2020 to delivering the network, although some councillors argue that little has been done since then.  

In terms of 'next steps' to move the process forward, the report recommended that Lord Kerslake - chair of the Stockport Mayoral Corporation (MDC) - and council leader Cllr Mark Hunter meet with Andy Burnham "to set out the case for Metrolink and seek commitment to attend a roundtable with Stockport business leaders in December."

Other next steps include "reinforcing the national profile of the [Metrolink] campaign", setting out a case at October's Greater Manchester Green Summit, and continued work with Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and Network Rail to support future development of tram train schemes. 

The viability of the new travel interchange as part of a potential route is being considered, the report says (Image - Alasdair Perry)

The ambition is for a Metrolink route from East Didsbury into Stockport town centre. This in turn could connect a series of tram train routes to Hazel Grove, Marple and Ashton. TfGM has also identified a potential tram train route to Marple from Manchester City Centre.

The funding required for the network would be somewhere in the region of £500 million to £1 billion, the report suggests - this would come from Greater Manchester. 

In a meeting on Monday (12 June), Cllr Grace Baynham said: "We are still in the process of trying to secure funding to get Metrolink to Stockport."

Cllr Tom Morrison meanwhile emphasised the importance of tram stops across the borough, not just in the centre.  

On the subject of apparent lack of progress, Cllr Morrison added: "I do feel - if I may make a political point - that there is a cynicism here. 

"I think the mayor [of Greater Manchester] is trying to gear up for his next election by throwing this at us, and I don't think it's fair. It's not what was promised originally."

It was recommended that the report should be considered by the MDC board at its next meeting.

It was also advised that "the leader and chair of the MDC meet the Greater Manchester Mayor and invite him to a business leader roundtable to discuss the benefits of Next Stop Stockport and how funding can be secured to deliver these ambitions."

These recommendations were accepted by the communities & transport scrutiny committee.

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