Design team chosen for transport interchange

Rochdale's new public transport hub came a step closer to reality this week after Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive announced the five-strong design team for the £11.5million project.

Aedas Architects and surveying firm Davis Langdon will join engineering and construction specialists Atkins, Jacobs and Marston and Grundy will design the Smith Street interchange on the River Roch. The interchange will replace the existing bus station and could house a Metrolink stop if the tram network is ever brought into Rochdale town centre.

Chief Executive of Rochdale Development Agency John Hudson said: "The new interchange is a major element of the wider plans to transform Rochdale town centre into a first class destination for shopping and business.”

The site for the Smith Street project has already been cleared. The public will be consulted on proposals before final designs are submitted in summer this year.

The Department for Transport will provide £10.5million funding for the project, with the RDA having already put forward the remaining £1.5million.