Andy Burnham has revealed when he wants work to start
Plans to extend the Metrolink to Stockport are years in the making(Image: Mark Waugh Manchester Press Photography Ltd)
The long-awaited extension of the Metrolink to Stockport is finally set to go ahead after Rachel Reeves committed cash to the project.
During a speech in Rochdale this morning (June 4), the Chancellor announced more than £15bn of funding for transport projects across the North and Midlands. This includes more than £2.5bn new buses, tram stops, tram-trains and interchanges in Greater Manchester.
The five-year funding package will also go towards extending the Metrolink to Stockport. But when will the new line actually open?
The Manchester Evening News understands the funding will finally mean spades in the ground and a firm plan for construction.
No timescales have been given for when construction work will start on the scheme, however, let alone when the new line will open.
Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, Andy Burnham said he wants work to start within the next four years.
Stockport Interchange(Image: Manchester Evening News)
The Labour mayor said: “I would be disappointed if we do not have building work starting let’s say within the Parliament, maybe within the mayoral term, but certainly within the Parliament, I would want to see work starting on that tram extension to Stockport.”
Mr Burnham told the Manchester Evening New local transport bosses will still need the Treasury to sign off the final business case for the new line.
But he said that he said work is already under way to support the scheme through an expanded Mayoral Development Corporation.
It comes after a new transport interchange was built in the town with transport bosses hoping to link it up to a new Metrolink lin.
The line is expected to be an extension from the existing terminus at East Didsbury and could follow an old dormant railway line.
Should trams follow the old Manchester South District Railway line, they would run through Heaton Mersey with a new spur required to cross the M60 motorway and West Coast Mainline to reach the ‘tram capable’ town centre interchange.
Stockport Interchange when it was under contruction(Image: DMW Droneography)
Asked when we can expect the new transport projects to actually become a reality, Ms Reeves said: “This money is to be spent over the next five years. £2.5bn for Greater Manchester and we want to crack on and get these tram extensions, get this Metrolink sorted.”
Speaking in the House of Commons, Cheadle MP Tom Morrison welcomed the investment but he believes the plans must go further.
The Lib Dem MP has now written to Mr Burnham, setting out his case for the Metrolink extension to pass through Cheadle as well.
He wrote: “Bringing Metrolink to Stockport is a huge opportunity – but it must go further.
“A route through Cheadle would connect thousands of residents, boost our high streets, and help make the new Cheadle station the transport hub our community needs. This funding is welcome – but it must deliver for the whole borough.
He added: “For too long, Cheadle has been left behind when it comes to public transport. The Government’s commitment to extending Metrolink is a big step forward – now we need to make sure the route works for local people. I have written to Mayor Burnham to make the case for Cheadle and will keep fighting to make sure we get the connections we deserve.”