Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration

The report provides an update on progress with the development of the proposed transport interchange scheme in Stockport.

The Scrutiny Committee is requested to comment on the report.

Officer Contact: Sue Stevenson on 0161 474 4351 or email: sue.stevenson@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) and made a presentation providing an update on progress with the development of the proposed transport interchange scheme in Stockport.

Tim Lawton from Transport for Greater Manchester attended the meeting for this item.

The replacement of the existing bus station in Stockport Town Centre by a Transport Interchange was recognised to be a key element in the overall masterplan for improving the town centre. The Stockport Interchange Scheme had been identified as a Greater Manchester priority for delivery as part of the Greater Manchester Local Transport Plan and funding for the scheme had been identified in the Greater Manchester Growth Deal with an allocation of £41.7m for delivery between 2015 and 2020.  Transport for Greater Manchester was the lead authority for the project and was working in partnership with the Council on the development of the interchange which included funding for the scheme, improvements to links with the railway station, a new bridge across the river, enhanced public realm in Mersey Square, a cycle hub and associated highway improvements. 

The scheme accommodated the proposals in the Stockport Rail Strategy for Metrolink/tram train in Stockport and the bridge over the River Mersey had been designed to accommodate the potential future needs of Metrolink.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         Whether there was any possibility of a covered walkway on the path from Daw Bank to the railway station. It was reported that discussions had been held by Transport for Greater Manchester with British Telecom regarding acquiring their adjoining land, but British Telecom had not expressed an interest in pursuing this matter.

·         The proposed lift to the A6 from Wood Street would be made of glass and there would be CCTV in the area.

·         The Council and Transport for Greater Manchester were currently exploring potential residential, commercial and other development opportunities which might be appropriate for construction in conjunction with the new interchange. However, the initial planning application would solely be for the interchange.

·         A route for Metrolink was protected with the proposals and there could be a possible stop for a Metrolink service on Swaine Street, Stockport adjacent to the bus station.

RESOLVED – That the Area Committee welcomes the outline proposals for the new Stockport Transport Interchange.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration

The report provides an update on progress with the development of the proposed transport interchange scheme in Stockport.

The Scrutiny Committee is requested to comment on the report.

Officer Contact: Sue Stevenson on 0161 474 4351 or email: sue.stevenson@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) and made a presentation updating the Scrutiny Committee on progress with the development of the proposed transport interchange scheme in Stockport.

The replacement of the existing bus station in Stockport Town Centre by a Transport Interchange had been recognised to be a key element in the overall masterplan for improving the town centre. The Stockport Interchange Scheme had been identified as a Greater Manchester priority for delivery as part of the Greater Manchester Local Transport Plan and funding for the scheme had been identified in the Greater Manchester Growth Deal with an allocation of £41.7m for delivery between 2015 and 2020.  Transport for Greater Manchester was the lead authority for the project and was working in partnership with the Council on the development of the interchange which included funding for the scheme, improvements to links with the railway station, a new bridge across the River Mersey, enhanced public realm in Mersey Square, a cycle hub and associated highway improvements. 

The scheme accommodated the proposals in the Stockport Rail Strategy for Metrolink/tram train in Stockport and the bridge over the River Mersey had been designed to accommodate the potential future needs of Metrolink.

The Executive Councillor (Supporting Places) (Councillor Martin Candler) attended the meeting to respond to Members’ questions.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         The Scrutiny Committee welcomed the report, contents of the presentation and the outline proposals to improve the facilities for passengers. However, the detailed design of the new bus station was of vital importance.

·         A request was made for more seats in the covered passenger concourse.

·         The Council and Transport for Greater Manchester were currently exploring potential residential, commercial and other development opportunities which might be appropriate for construction in conjunction with the new interchange. However, the initial planning application would solely be for the interchange.

·         The Scrutiny Committee noted the problems in constructing a new bus station whilst the current one remained in operation.

·         A request was made for public art to be included as part of the scheme.

·         A route for Metrolink was protected with the proposals and there could be a possible stop for a Metrolink service on Swaine Street adjacent to the bus station.

RESOLVED – That the Scrutiny Committee welcomes the outline proposals for the new Stockport Transport Interchange.