Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 30 November 2022.

The minutes of the meeting held on 30 November 2022 were agreed as correct record.

Councillors and officers to declare any interests which they have in any of the items on the agenda for the meeting.

There were no declarations of interest.

Representatives from Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) have been invited to attend the meeting to support the discussion on this item.

A representative from Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), Luke Bramwell (Senior Strategy Development Manager), attended the meeting to present to members on the history of Metrolink, including an overview of the phases of Metrolink, and the impact and benefits of Metrolink, as well as Stockport specific information.

The Director of Development and Regeneration (Paul Richards) and Head of Highways and Transportation (Sue Stevenson) also attended the meeting to support the discussion on this item.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:

·         Metrolink opened in 1992 and was the largest light rail network in the United Kingdom.

·         The most recent expansion was the Trafford Park Line, which opened in March 2020.

·         It was reported that covid-19 had had an impact on passenger journeys on Metrolink, and was in the process of recovering.

·         The benefits of Metrolink were reported, and included but were not limited to, high frequency and reliability of service, environmental benefits, enhanced image of towns and the city, and improved accessibility of Greater Manchester.

·         Members were advised that Metrolink operated on a fully green energy supply, with 60 – 70% of energy wind and/ or solar, and with the outstanding supply biomass or other forms of clean energy.

·         Members felt that Metrolink could support tackling deprivation in Stockport.

·         The degree of Stockport’s existing strategic rail infrastructure was a strength of Stockport’s in terms of the case to acquiring Metrolink, as was the Mayoral Development Corporation’s (MDC) clear development plan for Stockport.

·         There were a number of options in relation to lines that could link to Stockport; some options were not necessarily focussed on the town centre.

·         It was felt that Stockport already had good connectivity into Manchester City Centre, but there was a need to improve interconnectivity across the borough itself, and to other key areas including Manchester Airport and Media City.

·         Concern was raised as to whether Metrolink would inflate housing prices in the borough.

·         The fundamentals for any case for Metrolink depended on how many people it was expected that Metrolink would save time for.

·         Achieving Metrolink was a long term aim and it was understood that a scheme would be expensive to implement.

·         The Chair encouraged members of the panel to circulate potential recommendations arising from the review to the Clerk by close of play Friday 10 February for inclusion on the report to Cabinet.

·         The presentation slides would be circulated to members for their information.

RESOLVED – (1) That the update be noted.

(2) That Luke Bramwell (TfGM) be thanked for his attendance and informative presentation.