Network Rail has submitted plans to partially redevelop Reddish North Station to make it more accessible. 

The formal plans come nearly two years after Network Rail said they would address issues faced by disabled passengers – described at the time as "a generational thing" by local disability access campaigner Nathaniel Yates. 

As it stands, Reddish North has only a footbridge to connect its two platforms, which requires people to climb a flight of stairs to reach the opposite side. 

Network Rail has now obtained prior approval to start work on the station, which will feature a new footbridge with a lift on either side. 

It will also see wider changes across the station, including: access stairs to both platforms from outside; a complete resurfacing of pavements; more tactile paving; seating; a toilet; and public help points. 

A similar application was put forward by Network Rail last year, which was also approved by Stockport Council, but never materialised – largely due to the station's footbridge being locally listed. 

Network Rail has since submitted a Heritage Statement, meaning that instead of being demolished as the original plans suggested, the bridge will be carefully dismantled and relocated to "an alternative appropriate heritage context". 

Speaking with Stockport's MP Navendu Mishra, Campaigner Nathaniel Yates said: "I'm absolutely delighted that the step-free access is going to happen.

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Approved plans for Reddish North Station, with changes outlined in red (Image - Network Rail)

"Eight years of hard work, eight years of dedication - I've had a lot of help, and it's been absolutely amazing."

Mr Mishra said on social media: "Residents in Reddish are soon set to see long-awaited improvements at Reddish North Station as part of the Access for All Programme.

"Work will soon begin on transformational changes, including the installation of two lifts and a new footbridge, aimed at making the station fully accessible and easier to use for everyone in the community."

The new plans also see minor changes to the design and materials used in the redevelopment, as well as a lowering of the new footbridge. 

A temporary footbridge is expected to be installed while works take place. 

The changes to Reddish North follow years of campaigning by residents and councillors. 

Last year, it was confirmed that Reddish North would be earmarked for improvements alongside Woodsmoor, Bredbury, and Davenport, which are all expected to have step-free access in the coming years. 

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The improvements mean that 63 per cent of railway stations in Greater Manchester will have step-free access by 2028. 

The current works will be funded by a £34m investment from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority to improve accessibility. 

Reddish North was one of ten stations in Greater Manchester to receive the grant, including Bredbury.  

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