Metrolink moves a step closer after new stop decision

Metrolink Tram

The Metrolink into Rochdale town centre moved a step closer this week after councillors granted planning permission for three tram stops ready as part of the extension.

Despite criticisms over a lack of consultation with local businesses and ward councillors, and the reduction in car parking around the train station that the new stops would bring, Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive received the green light for the stops on Maclure Road, Drake Street and Smith Street.

A representative of Haji Cash and Carry, whose Station Approach store will be affected by the Maclure Road stop, attended the Rochdale Township Planning Meeting on Tuesday night (20 October) to formally object to the plans; saying that the store could be forced to close if the plans go ahead, costing 35 local jobs.

Councillors told GMPTE that they should meet with the owners of the Cash and Carry and with ward councillors to try and find a solution that suits all parties, with particular regard for car parking for the store. As part of future plans GMPTE were told to look at derelict land at the back of the train station, which could be used to provide hundreds of car parking spaces.

As part of the Metrolink extensions, the majority of Maclure Road would operate as one way, in the direction of Drake Street, and the Station Road/Maclure Road junction and roundabout would be remodelled to include a 'kiss and ride' parking facility.

The junction of Drake Street and Maclure Road would be controlled by a combined signal controlled priority junction. This junction would allow vehicles travelling along Maclure Road to move into Richard Street (one way) or Drake Street (two way). To accommodate the Metrolink the junction of Maclure Road and Henry Street would be closed while Richard Street, Dowling Street and the eastern side of Station Road would be one way. In order to retain vehicular access from Station Road to Lower Tweedale Street and Dowling Street, the Council-owned informal car parking, which lies adjacent to Haji's Cash and Carry, will be replaced with a new link road.

As the Metrolink extends along Drake Street towards the town centre it is proposed that the junctions of Faulker Street / Drake Street and Fleece Street / Drake Street would be closed. Vehicular access along this section of Drake Street would only be permitted off-peak.

A spokesperson for the council's planning department said at Tuesday's meeting: "I think the best thing to do is to approve this application tonight and we get the development of this gateway into the town centre underway, but we must give an undertaking that we will work together to iron out the issues between ourselves, Haji Cash and Carry and GMPTE over car parking and traffic management."

Councillor Liz Thirsk said: "I hope GMPTE realise after tonight that they are not the big powerful company they think they are and can not ride roughshod over the businesses of this town."