Plans unveiled to ‘ramp up’ town’s transport
PLANS have been revealed for a new ‘spiral ramp’ which will link a new town centre car park and the river Mersey.
Transport for Greater Manchester and Stockport Council released plans for the 189-metre ramp which will provide a safe and easily-accessible route for cyclists, walkers and wheelchair users to navigate the level change from the rooftop park to the river Mersey.
The ramp will be built above Stockport’s future transport interchange and forms part of the Stockport Interchange Mixed Use development scheme, which is currently underway.
Residents are invited to have their say on the ramp element as part of a public consultation taking place between Thursday, 6 January and Sunday, 6 February 2022.
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 cyclists and pedestrians 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 ensure that it is not too steep for users wanting to travel in either an upward or downward direction, ensuring accessibility for bicycle, pedestrian and wheelchair users.
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 a “1 billion town centre revival.
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 twobedroom, 70 one-bedroom) new, high-quality residential apartments off Daw Bank.
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.”
To take part in the survey visit: tfgm.com/stockport-interchange/rampconsultation