Walkers and cyclists will enjoy access to Stockport’s riverfront for the first time in generations thanks to a new spiral walking and cycling ramp opening at Stockport Interchange.
The new ramp connects Stockport’s new Viaduct Park with the Transport Interchange, access to the town centre and the River Mersey. The ramp will also connect walkers, cyclists and wheelchair users with the Trans Pennine Trail (TPT), allowing a seamless connection between the Interchange’s new bridge over Daw Bank and the cycle and pedestrian paths in Viaduct Park. This will form a long-distance cycling route connecting the train station to areas to the southwest of Stockport, the town centre, and beyond.
The ramp also provides lift, traffic, and step-free access between the two levels at Stockport Interchange, making trips by walking, cycling, or wheeling much easier, more attractive, and accessible for all. It also means there is now step and elevator-free access between the town’s railway station, the Interchange, and the town centre.
Paul Richards, Director of Development and Regeneration at Stockport Council, said: “This is the next step of our fantastic Interchange development and we’re thrilled it’s open in time to play an important part in our annual Stockport Moves event at our brand-new Viaduct Park and Merseyway.”
Funded by the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) and Active Travel Fund, the ramp features anti-slip surface covering and LED lighting for the safety of users and will also be monitored by CCTV.
Richard Nickson, Network Director (Active Travel) at Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), said: “We are delighted that people will now be able to make use of the fantastic new ramp at Stockport Interchange. It is a key piece of the Bee Network, joining up journeys made by walking, wheeling and cycling with buses and trains, while also opening up leisure opportunities in the town centre and beyond.”
Improving connectivity
The Trans Pennine Trail (TPT) connects the East and West coasts of the UK through the north of England, enabling walkers and cyclists to enjoy more than 215 miles of surfaced paths.
A north-south route connecting Leeds and Chesterfield, a spur to York and a spur to Kirkburton near Huddersfield means there are approximately 370 miles (595km) of TPT available to explore.
In Stockport, the TPT has 2 options: one that takes in the town centre’s attractions including the unique Hat Museum, Market Place, and Underbanks or the quieter route to the north of the town. The trail then leaves Stockport through the leafy Tame Valley through Stockport’s glorious countryside and its connections to the Peak District.
Mandy Loach, Lead Officer of the Trans Pennine Trail National Office, said: “The new ramp opening is fantastic news and it’s great we now have a seamless link from our railway station, through the park, to the Trans Pennine Trail. Stockport has so much to offer in terms of connecting to some fabulous routes in the Peak District and beyond. Being able to get a train to the town centre, then jumping off and enjoying the network on offer within a matter of minutes is a great boost for cyclists and walkers of all abilities.”
To coincide with the opening of the new spiral ramp the park will play host to the annual Stockport Moves event on Sunday 9 June. A wide range of fun, free, family-based activities will take place at Viaduct Park and Mersey Square from 11am to 2pm.
The event has lots going on, including Scavenger Hunts, led-walks, bike MOT’s and the chance to try out a range of fully adapted bikes and to have a go on the new ramp.
Mersey Square will host a range of multis-sport and fitness challenges and Stockport County will have their inflatable penalty shootout cage.
