Stockport Independent Issue 174

FREE YOUR LOCAL GOOD NEWS-PAPER FREE STOCKPORT www.independentnewspapers.co.uk ISSUE 174 OFFERTON • THE HEATONS • EDGELEY • DENTON BREDBURY • CHEADLE HEATH • HAZEL GROVE • CHEADLE HULME • HEAVILEY • MARPLE • REDDISH • ROMILEY • WOODLEY • HIGH LANE Looking for Flooring Inspiration? Let us help you find the perfect flooring for your home. With great advice, home styling, measure and planning service, plus quality fitting of top brands and designs, youwill be glad you did . Visit our showroom: Tuesday to Saturday or call 01260 224445 for a private appointment Thornycroft Farm, Pexhill Road, Siddington, Cheshire SK11 9JN l Modern, Traditional & Luxury Carpets l Natural Wood Flooring l Laminate Flooring l Stair Runners & Rods l Luxury Vinyl Tiles l Bespoke Rugs & Runners THE big day is nearly here. Stockport’s new state-of-the-art transport interchange and rooftop park will officially open on Sunday March 17. That is the day the inter- change will welcome its first bus passengers, with the park opening the following day. Project chiefs say the new park’s name, chosen after a public vote, will also be revealed very soon. The multi-million pound development – which boasts 18 bus stands with the capac- ity for 164 departures an hour – is set to boost connectivity in the town centre, with the interchange connected to the train station by a new walk- ing and cycling route. The park is a unique green space featuring play equipment, festoon light- ing, and a community space that will help to connect Stockport’s neighbourhoods and communities. Plans have been confirmed to host an opening celebration event as part of Stockport’s Town of Culture events pro- gramme the following week- end, on March 23 and 24. Passengers will be able to use the new interchange from Sunday March 17, when some nearby stops, including Hea- ton Lane bus station will close and services will transfer. Vernon Everitt, Greater Manchester’s transport com- missioner, said: “We can’t wait to welcome passengers to the new, state of the art inter- change at Stockport - com- plete with town centre park. “The old bus station has been transformed into a mod- ern, attractive and accessible interchange with facilities for customers and staff fit for the 21st century. “It will help people to make journeys around Stockport, Greater Manchester and further afield and will be a central element in the introduction of Bee Network buses in Stockport from Jan- uary 2025.” Mark Hunter, leader of Stockport Council, added: “We’re now in a position to THE FINAL COUNTDOWN! Date announced for interchange and park opening Much-awaited: Stockport’s multi-million pound transport interchange (Photo credit: Stockport Council) reveal the date of the open- ing of the interchange and our new, unique, town centre park and it’s fantastic that we’re so close. “The progress that has been made to date has been truly transformational for our town centre, which is all part of the exciting £1billion investment that’s underway to make Stockport an even better place in which to live, work, play and connect. “The opening of the site is just the start of the amazing things we have planned for Stockport this year and will continue with our Town of Culture Weekend taking place on March 23 and 24.” Passengers will be able to access the interchange from entrances on Mersey Square, Swaine Street and Daw Bank from March 17 and these entrances will be clearly signposted. From March 18 there will also be access to the inter- change from the new rooftop park via both lifts and stairs. The new interchange features a fully accessible passenger concourse with seating areas for people to use while waiting to catch their bus. There are fully accessible toilets and Changing Places facilities, step-free access provided by lifts and ramps, wayfinding lines and tactile stand indicators. l Continued page two

RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NzYwODU=