In Pictures: Stockport’s New Bus Interchange

State-of-the-art transport interchange quantum leap on 1980 predecessor

This Sunday saw the opening of Stockport’s bus and coach interchange. Situated on the site of GMPTE’s bus station, it improves on its predecessor as no passenger will need to change buses without getting wet. Instead of crossing many roads to go from Stand A to Stand S, there is only one road you need to cross.

There is a TfGM Travelshop on the main concourse. A convenience store will open next month and toilets are located nearest to Stand A and Stand S. There are sixteen stands: thirteen of which are in the main concourse. Stand Q and Stand R are on the opposite side to Stands A to P and serves as the town’s coach station. There is a RADAR key accessible toilet. The only stand that is outside the main building is Stand S.

Like TfGM’s previous new build, Ashton-under-Lyne Interchange, there is real time bus information at each stand, plus real time bus and train information for all routes in Stockport. Situated outside the Travelshop, you can find out if the Euston train is running to time as well as your 384 to Compstall. Where it improves upon Ashton-under-Lyne Interchange is the provision of a taxi rank.

Viaduct Park

As well as improved passenger comfort, Stockport Interchange offers something new to the town’s focal piazza. You can approach Stockport Interchange via Wellington Road South at street level and look out to a new open space called Viaduct Park. This is Stockport Interchange’s roof garden, flanked by mixed use commercial development on either side.

Access to Stockport Interchange is gained via lifts and staircases, either nearest to the town’s iconic viaduct or Wellington Road South. The centrepiece of Viaduct Park is step free access to Stockport railway station, served by gradual ramps and a bridge. Paths are divided into two for pedestrians and cyclists.

Compared with previous facilities, it offers much improved cover from the elements. A world away from Essex Goodman and Suggitt’s stands despite the nostalgia value they invoke. For some passengers, not being able to get off at Mersey Square for Merseyway Shopping Centre might be a peeve, but it is fair to say boarding your bus in Stockport will be a more joyous experience.

The view many passengers would see on boarding or alighting their bus.

The main concourse.

The main concourse, looking towards Mersey Square.

The TfGM Travelshop/Bee Network Information and Tickets desk.

A real hive of activity. (“You’re fired…!” – Ed)

The staircase and lift to Viaduct Park.

Staircase detail (Daw Bank end).

A bus, a 23 reg on the way to Piccadilly Gardens.

Another bus, this time with a 370 to Altrincham loading for Stand S.

The westerly entrance, nearest to Daw Bank.

Real time information on your bus to Brinnington and your train to Buxton. What a world!

The Mersey Square entrance. Much more airy and devoid of diesel fumes.

View of Stands Q and R.

View of Stands A to P

Stand R: if you’re boarding a coach, Stands Q and R are the ones you need.

Viaduct Park from Wellington Road South.

The entrance to Stockport Interchange from park level.

A closer look at the entrance.

A view of the buses from park level.

The park towards Heaton Lane and Mersey Square.

The park towards Heaton Lane and the River Mersey.

The bridge towards Stockport railway station.

The view many passengers may see when they transfer from train to bus.

View from the ramp to Stockport railway station.

S.V., 19th March 2024.