Masterplan aims to ‘breathe new life' into Stockport station

Yahoo

10-03-2025

A masterplan is aiming to 'breathe new life' into Stockport train station after concerns that it had fallen into a state of disrepair.
The plans by Stockport council have set out to 'transform Stockport station into a modern facility' with redeveloped concourses, improved access to platforms, and better links between the station and town centre.
According to a council report, funding has been awarded from the government's City Region Sustainable Transport Settlements programme to develop an outline business case for the station's future.
READ MORE: "I saw the man and his dog at the side of the road... I'll never get the image out of my head"
READ MORE: Man and his dog killed after being hit by car that 'flipped' in horror crash
This is currently being developed by council officers and stakeholders, with a consultation expected to take place in summer.
Part of the West Coast Main Line connecting Manchester and London, the station is located centrally to the regeneration work taking place around Stockport town centre.
This includes Stockport Exchange, a business and leisure district based next to the railway station.
But concerns have previously been raised about the condition of the station building itself.
Coun Grace Baynham, the council's cabinet member for parks, highways and transport services, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service last year that the station had fallen into a state of disrepair and was in need of attention.
This was highlighted in a council report from February 2024, which found there was a 'poor customer experience' across the platforms and building, and a 'weak retail offer and accessibility issues.'
The town hall's masterplan stated new changes would 'create a welcoming environment for all passengers and visitors,' and create 'a station to be proud of.'
Avanti West Coast, the firm which manages Stockport station, said it was looking forward to working with the council and other stakeholders to shape and deliver the masterplan.
Coun Mark Hunter, leader of Stockport council, said the town needs a station which reflects its position as the "southern gateway to Greater Manchester and the north west."
'Our residents, businesses, and visitors deserve a world-class transport hub that matches Stockport's growing potential," he added.
"A modern, accessible Stockport station, complete with a new overbridge and improved facilities, could create up to 2,000 jobs, drive economic growth, and further establish Stockport as a key player in the North's transport future."
Alongside the station masterplan, Stockport town centre has also benefited from a new transport interchange which opened in March last year.
Coun Hunter said changes to the train station and bringing Metrolink to the town are key aims in the coming years.
'Our new Interchange is Metrolink ready and bringing the tram to Stockport is something we know people want, and redeveloping the station is a huge step in making that a reality," he explained.
'This isn't just about upgrading a station—it's about unlocking opportunity. Sitting at the heart of our £1bn regeneration programme, this project will supercharge connectivity, attract investment, and cement Stockport as one of the best-connected places in the country.
'Stockport already benefits from some of the best connectivity routes in the country, and our residents, businesses and visitors deserve a modern, accessible station that matches that connectivity.
'This is a once in a generation opportunity to turbo charge the success story of Stockport – and we're determined to make it happen.'