Plans announced for spiral ramp connecting new town centre park and River Mersey

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and Stockport Council have unveiled proposals for an innovative spiral ramp linking the new town centre park being built above Stockport’s future transport interchange and the River Mersey.

The 189-metre ramp will provide a safe and easily-accessible route for cyclists, walkers and wheelchair users to navigate the level change from the rooftop park to the River Mersey, leading to the Trans Pennine Trail and linking up with the wider system of cycling routes being developed as part of the Bee Network.

The plans form part of the Stockport Interchange Mixed Use development scheme, which is currently under way. People are invited to have their say on the ramp element as part of a public consultation taking place until February 6.

Stephen Rhodes, customer director at TfGM, said: “Stockport Interchange is a transformational project for the town, and these proposals will only enhance its potential as a truly state-of-the-art transport hub. The spiral ramp will not only be a striking structure to look at, but it will also provide a safe way for cyclists and pedestrians to reach the new park from ground level.”

Cllr David Meller, cabinet member for economy and regeneration, said: “The new interchange will transform our town centre, and the proposed ramp is an important aspect of the project that will enable cyclists and pedestrians to have a seamless connection from the town centre towards the railway station and onward to the Trans Pennine Trail. This links into our aims to support sustainable travel throughout Stockport and within Greater Manchester.”

Demolition of the former Stockport bus station began in October, paving the way for the construction of the new interchange. The new transport interchange is part of a town centre revival that is under way.

As well as the striking rooftop two-acre park, cycle and pedestrian link to the rail station and new interchange, the scheme will also include the development of 196 – 126 two-bedroom, 70 one-bedroom – new, high quality residential apartments off Daw Bank.

Meanwhile, the council has announced that Merseyway Shopping Centre is to have new paving and lighting installed as part of the next phase of transforming Stockport’s town centre.

Work will be starting from Monday, January 17, which will see works taking place within Vernon Walk in Merseyway, connecting the main shopping area to Chestergate, between Primark, Boots and the public toilets.

These works will help to support the wider multimillion-pound regeneration of the town centre and will complement the current investments planned at Stockroom and the former BHS unit, which are part of the council’s strategy to improve the high street and create a vibrant town centre that will benefit visitors, residents, and local businesses in the town.

The Vernon Way works will take approximately 12 weeks to complete, with further works in Merseyway set to begin at Easter.