Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has commenced work on the eagerly awaited business case for extending the Metrolink tram system to Stockport. The formal process of developing that case is now in motion, with TfGM confirming that contracts have been awarded for the design, modelling and appraisal stages of the project.
The completion of this phase is anticipated by September 2025, with further updates to follow. This development comes on the heels of Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham's commitment last week to advance the town's Metrolink expansion within the next year, reports .
A TfGM spokesperson elaborated: "As noted at the Bee Network Committee in July, the next strategic outline business case being looked at is Metrolink to Stockport.
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"A business case is essential to justify funding what would be a significant scheme, costing in the hundreds of millions, and also to facilitate a Transport and Works Act application for statutory powers to acquire land, construct and operate.
"Following some preliminary work we are now starting the formal strategic outline business case."
"To enable this, we have competitively tendered and awarded contracts for design, modelling and appraisal and expect this work to be done by September 2025."
Stockport has long been waiting for the Metrolink extension, having designed its new transport interchange to accommodate the tram service. Plans are underway to extend the East Didsbury line to Stockport, which would provide residents with direct tram connections to Manchester city centre.
However, the total cost of this expansion could reach £1 billion. A solid business case is seen as crucial in securing the necessary funding for the project.
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