When Stockport Interchange opened last year, it was hailed by council leader Mark Hunter as the "heartbeat" of the town's transformation.

The £135m transport hub welcomed passengers for the first time on March 17, 2024, and since then transport bosses say more than 350,000 bus departures have passed through its doors.

The project also created the two-acre Viaduct Park above the interchange building, which has brought green space alongside new walking and cycling links.

With a £1bn regeneration scheme taking place in the town, more people are starting to look to Stockport as a place to live, work, and visit.

A year on from opening, Stockport residents say the interchange has already made a huge impact on the town – and will be a key part of its future.

Stephanie Gardner, from Offerton, says the interchange has created a modern space for people going to Stockport town centre by bus.

"I think it's very much improved Stockport, the changes taking place here are very good," the 78-year-old said.

"It's clean and easy to find your bus. I use the buses a lot on my own, and I think things have been improving with the Bee Network."

Jane Baylis (L) and Stephanie Gardner (R) both use the Interchange and see it as a big improvement (Image - Kenny Brown)

As well as public transport links, Stockport Interchange was designed to encourage walking and cycling.

A spiral ramp was built next to the River Mersey for cyclists and pedestrians, with another route connecting the park up to Stockport train station.

But some said the interchange building could do with a bit more for passengers.

"I think it needs a cafe, that would be nice for people coming here and waiting for their bus," said 81-year-old Valerie, who uses the interchange for days out.

She added: "My only complaint is the [interchange] seats, because you are sitting leaning backwards. But overall it is a big improvement for Stockport."

81-year-old Valerie also thinks the Interchange is a big improvement (Image - Kenny Brown)

Tracy Lewis is another regular at Stockport Interchange, often taking the number 42 to Manchester.

She said: "The new building looks great, and I think the park is brilliant, but we definitely need to get the tram.

"They have them in other places so why not here? It would make a big difference."

But Tracy added that there are things at the interchange she would like to see changed.

"I don't know why we need to pay 20p for the toilet, it's ridiculous, it should be free," she said.

"If people are coming on journeys from Manchester they're going to need to use the toilet."

Tracy Lewis is also a regular user of the Interchange - she'd like to see Metrolink here too (Image - Kenny Brown)

Securing a Metrolink extension to Stockport has been an aim of the town for years.

A potential expansion of the tram network could see the East Didsbury line connected to Stockport, offering access to south Manchester and the city centre.

In December, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) said work had started to create an initial outline business case for the extension, and that it had already awarded contracts for the design, modelling and appraisal of the work.

If the plans do move forward, it would create even more transport options in a town which already offers major rail and bus links.

Cllr Mark Hunter said the interchange has been a "game-changer" for Stockport, adding that the town's transformation is not yet finished.

"Stockport is home to the busiest bus route in Greater Manchester, and the Interchange has only strengthened our connections, making it easier than ever for people to travel sustainably," he said.

"With a fully electric bus fleet on the way and the interchange Metrolink-ready, we're creating a modern, future-proof transport network that puts greener, cleaner travel at the heart of our town's regeneration."

Vernon Everitt, transport commissioner for Greater Manchester, said: "Stockport Interchange showcases so much of what we are trying to achieve with the Bee Network.

"We've already seen more than 350,000 bus departures from the interchange in its first year, and know that the links to the rail station and town centre are also incredibly popular, which isn't just a vote of confidence for Stockport Interchange but the Bee Network.

"By providing modern, accessible, state-of-the-art facilities we are driving more people to travel sustainably and have created a model for future interchange redevelopments, including Bury which we are looking to redevelop in the near future."

Stockport's next big plan is to expand the boundary of its regeneration work, to include the eastern part of the town centre.

This would see 8,000 homes built in the town centre over the next 15 years, alongside other regeneration projects such as Stockport Exchange, where a business and leisure district has been created around the train station.

There are also plans to redevelop Stockport station, with redeveloped concourses, improved access to platforms, and better links between the station and town centre.

In a town where so much has changed in recent years, more could still be on the way.

Cllr Hunter added: "Stockport is leading the UK's largest town centre regeneration, delivering thousands of new homes and plans are underway to expand our transformation into the east of the town centre.

"The momentum is building, and there's so much more to come."

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