As part of Stockport Council’s Mayoral Challenge Fund (MCF) Tranche 1 programme, George Cox & Sons delivered the Heaton Mersey Cycle Scheme, an ambitious 3.7km active travel link designed to connect communities across northwest Stockport and bridge a key gap between the Manchester Cycleway and the Trans Pennine Trail. This transformative project now forms a vital part of Greater Manchester’s Bee Network, enabling active, low-carbon travel for residents of all ages and abilities.

 The scheme aimed to enhance cycling and walking to the Bee Network standard. Key project objectives included:

  • Eliminating severance between the Trans Pennine Trail and Manchester Cycleway.
  • Improving links to Didsbury, Levenshulme, and Fallowfield.
  • Connecting communities to schools, green spaces, and future filtered neighbourhoods.

The works included new off-road shared paths using Flexipave, a 50/50 mix of recycled rubber derived from vehicle tyres and natural stone aggregate and Ultiporous, a fast-draining porous asphalt solution.  Along with signalised pedestrian and cycle crossings at key junctions, traffic calming measures, landscape enhancements, and improved access including dropped kerbs, bollards, and wayfinding features. Key delivery elements included:

  • Toucan and parallel crossings at Broadstone Road, Heaton Moor Road, Wellington Road (A6), and Didsbury Road.
  • Segregated paths and crossing improvements at Chandos Road, Leegate Road, Mauldeth Road, and Meltham Avenue.
  • Upgrades to the NCN 55 and multiple off-road link paths such as Buckingham Road, Shawbrook Road, and Mersey Road.

Enabling works began in November, including the relocation of a running track and reconfiguration of football pitch access. From the outset, collaboration with Stockport Council and local schools ensured community needs were addressed. Weekly progress meetings were held with the client team to ensure alignment and transparency. Work adjacent to school boundaries required careful planning, particularly at St John’s and Stella Maris schools, where liaison with caretakers ensured safe access during term time.

Despite weather challenges in the early months like heavy rainfall and muddy conditions, the team adapted through phased working and enhanced fencing solutions after concerns from residents. By working in smaller sections, access for pedestrians was maintained throughout.

The project was completed with zero accidents or service strikes, and no disruption to local utilities. Environmentally, the use of Flexipave and Ultiporous tarmac supported sustainable drainage and future resilience. Tree removal was kept to a minimum, and any removals were offset with replanting and landscaping.

This scheme delivered far more than just new paths. A resident using a motorised wheelchair described the new route as life-changing, finally enabling her to access the full network without getting stuck in mud.

Social value was delivered through:

  • Easter playground resurfacing and hopscotch painting at St John’s School.
  • Donation of pallets for bug hotels and a log store for forest school.
  • Removal and repurposing of felled tree wood for outdoor seating at Stella Maris School.

Delivered on time and to budget, the Heaton Mersey Cycle has connected neighbourhoods, enabled safe journeys to school, and unlocked access to nature, supporting healthier lifestyles for generations to come.