Proposals for spiral ramp connecting Stockport’s new town centre park to the River Mersey are unveiled
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and Stockport Council have unveiled proposals for a spiral ramp that will provide a unique way to connect Stockport’s new town centre park, located above the future new transport interchange, to the River Mersey.
You can have your say on the ramp during the public consultation which is due to take place between Thursday 6 January and Sunday 6 February 2022.
The 189-metre ramp will provide a seamless and accessible route to navigate the level change from the rooftop park to the river Mersey frontage, leading to the Trans Pennine Trail route.
This will form part of the Stockport Interchange Mixed Use development scheme, which is currently being progressed, and which also includes a new cycle and pedestrian link from Stockport rail station to the new park, as well as connecting the new facility to the wider Bee Network cycling and walking infrastructure, which is designed to encourage more people to make journeys on foot or by bike.
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 pedestrians and cyclists to reach the new park from ground level.
“Along with the bridgescape linking the park and Stockport rail station, the ramp will integrate into wider Bee Network proposals to provide a continuous route into Stockport Town centre and linking to the Trans Pennine Trail.
“I would encourage everyone to take this opportunity to have their say on this key piece of cycling and walking infrastructure, which will serve not only Stockport Interchange but the Bee Network as well.”
The proposed spiral design for the ramp was chosen to allow a 1:21 gradient to be maintained in order to ensure that it is not too steep for users wanting to travel in either an upward or downward direction, thereby ensuring accessibility for bicycle, pedestrian and wheelchair users.
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.
“During the consultation held on the rooftop park in October 2021, many residents spoke about the need for a ramp to connect the different levels of the interchange, and work has been progressing well to produce the plans that are being consulted on this month.”
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 an exciting £1 billion investment that is under way to make Stockport an even better place in which to live, work, play and connect.
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.
TfGM and Stockport Council want to hear from residents, businesses, and community organisations on what they think of the proposal to introduce the ramp. Take part in the survey to have your say on the plans.
Responses to the survey must be submitted by 23:59 on Sunday 6 February 2022. If you require the survey in an alternative format, please email: stockport.interchange@tfgm.com or phone: 0161 244 1000
