A masterplan has been unveiled with the aim of revitalising Stockport train station. The blueprint, drawn up by Stockport council, outlines a vision to turn the station into 'a modern facility', featuring revamped concourses, enhanced platform access, and improved connectivity between the station and town centre.
A council report reveals that funding has been secured from the government's City Region Sustainable Transport Settlements programme to craft an outline business case for the station's future. This is currently being pieced together by council officers and stakeholders, with a public consultation anticipated this summer.
The station, a key link on the West Coast Main Line connecting Manchester and London, is located at the heart of the regeneration work unfolding around Stockport town centre. This includes Stockport Exchange, a commercial and leisure district adjacent to the railway station.
However, the condition of the station building itself has previously sparked concerns. Last year, Coun Grace Baynham, the council's cabinet member for parks, highways and transport services, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that the station had deteriorated and required attention.
This was underscored in a council report from February 2024, which identified a 'poor customer experience' across the platforms and building, coupled with a 'weak retail offer and accessibility issues. '.
The town hall's masterplan has outlined transformative changes that promise to 'create a welcoming environment for all passengers and visitors,' and forge 'a station to be proud of. ' Avanti West Coast, the operator in charge of Stockport station, has expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with the council and other key parties to bring the masterplan to fruition.
Coun Mark Hunter, the leader of Stockport council, emphasised the necessity for a station that mirrors the town's strategic role as the "southern gateway to Greater Manchester and the north west."
He said: "Our residents, businesses, and visitors deserve a world-class transport hub that matches Stockport's growing potential.
"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."
The station's overhaul is part of broader enhancements, including the recent inauguration of a new transport interchange in Stockport town centre in March last year. Coun Hunter also highlighted the ambition to integrate Metrolink services with the town, citing it as a pivotal goal for the near future.
"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 said.
"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 turbocharge the success story of Stockport – and we're determined to make it happen."
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