Stockport Express

KATHERINE BAINBRIDGE

- Katherine.bainbridge@menmedia.co.uk @KBainbridg­eMEN

THE new taxi rank and bus stops in front of Stockport railway station will open for the first time on Saturday (July 23).

A transforma­tion has been taking place in the area around the station over the last few months as work on the Stockport Exchange developmen­t continues.

The aim is to create a vibrant new business hub in the town centre, and phase two of the developmen­t is well underway.

It will include a new office building, Sainsbury’s local store, Holiday Inn Express hotel and public spaces, and will be finished later this year.

A new permanent dropoff zone will also be created by the upper station doors, with 21 short stay spaces including designated disabled parking.

This means that from Saturday the existing drop-off zone will be closing to allow the work to get underway.

A new temporary one will be created on Railway Road, next to the multistore­y car park, which is in addition to the 40-space drop-off facility on the Edgeley side of the station.

Councillor Kate Butler, executive member for economy and regenerati­on, said: “Improved multi-modal access to Stockport Rail Station and Stockport Exchange is a key part of our vision to maximise the potential of this innovative, modern developmen­t.

“The opening of the new taxi rank and bus stops this weekend is an important milestone, and walking around the station it is exciting to see the work that is taking place which will attract new business, jobs and opportunit­ies to Stockport Town Centre.

“I look forward to opening Stockport Exchange in a few months’ time.”

Andy Barton, project manager at Muse Developmen­ts, the council’s partner on the project, added: “This is a key milestone in realising our vision for the wider Stockport Exchange scheme, of which the second phase is progressin­g well and will be completed by the end of the year.

“Such a major transforma­tion inevitably means a number of changes along the way, so we very much appreciate everyone’s patience while we improve access to the railway station and create a new attractive public space for everyone to enjoy.”

The changed to the drop off zone will be in place until December.

For more informatio­n visit stockport.gov.uk/ investingi­ngrowth.

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