The Stockport Interchange project aimed to transform the town’s connectivity through the construction of a modern transport hub featuring a new two-acre park named Viaduct Park, new walking and cycling links to the railway station and town centre and set the stage for the regeneration of Stockport Town Centre West. The new interchange boasts 18 bus stands supporting 164 departures an hour, aligning with the Bee Network vision for an integrated transport system when local bus control begins in January 2025. Adding to Stockport’s £1 billion town centre regeneration, a new 14-story residential development with 196 apartments and commercial space was also included. Our collaboration with Willmott Dixon to complete the external works enhanced the area with high-quality paving and kerbing using conservation-grade materials.
The project faced numerous challenges due to its town centre location. The tight space, lack of onsite parking, and limited room for deliveries compounded the difficulties of working with a new client and managing multiple traffic management issues, particularly pedestrian control. Closures of main bus routes required coordination with Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and adherence to embargoes, which meant shutting down certain work areas while maintaining progress. Additionally, the discovery of 60 uncharted services during the works necessitated the use of vacuum excavation as the primary method for digging.
Traffic management was meticulously planned, with permits obtained through liaison with Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council (SMBC). We developed traffic management plans to minimise the impact on the vehicle network, including restricted working hours and night works. This approach was an adaptation from the original programme and was implemented to meet the project’s needs. Our traffic management methods impressed Willmott Dixon, leading us to provide additional traffic management services outside of our initial scope.
Health and safety were paramount, with vacuum excavation used to manage the uncharted services. We collaborated with the contractor to utilise specified health and safety software, ensuring compliance with both their methods and our procedures. Our in-house traffic management team worked closely with the client and local authority to develop pedestrian and traffic management plans, including the permanent closure of an existing carriageway and coordination of diversion routes with other contractors in Stockport.
Innovation was also a highlight of this project. Phil Holme, our Skills Training manager, developed an on-site training program for apprentices, demonstrating our commitment to encourage new talent within the industry.
Programme and cost management were critical to the project's success. We consistently updated the programme with the client to accommodate work areas as they became available, ensuring the scheme was delivered on time and within budget.
The successful completion of the interchange has been met with approval from TfGM, Willmott Dixon, SMBC, and the residents of Stockport. The new transport interchange, with its modern facilities and improved connectivity, has been warmly received and marks a significant milestone in the ongoing regeneration of Stockport Town Centre. The collaboration and meticulous planning involved in this project have set a benchmark for future urban development initiatives.
