Transport interchange given final approval

Rochdale’s new transport interchange

Construction of Rochdale’s new multi-million pound transport interchange can begin after the scheme, worth over £11m, was given final approval, Local Transport Minister Norman Baker announced today.

The new interchange aims to improve safety and security for bus passengers and will link directly with the new Metrolink extension currently under construction.

The interchange will be on the site adjacent to the existing bus station and next to the new Council offices currently under construction. It will replace the current 1970s bus station under the multi-storey car park. The site of the existing station will now be redeveloped as part of the wider £250m town centre redevelopment plans.

Norman Baker said: “I am in no doubt that this new station will encourage more people to travel by bus in and around Rochdale which is why we’re putting nearly £7m into this impressive scheme which will support growth and cut carbon.

“Having visited the bus station, it was clear to me that action had to be taken. The new station will be a significant improvement on the current facilities - the dark and dingy atmosphere is not the welcome you want when you arrive into town - and will also allow redevelopment of the existing site which will bring some 1,500 new jobs into the town.” 

Councillor Peter Williams, Rochdale Borough Council’s Cabinet member for Corporate Services and Economic Affairs, said: “This is great news both for residents and for the town itself. Passengers will get a much needed, modern new bus interchange and it’s the catalyst we need to move ahead with our town transformation programme with confidence. The council has committed over £3 million to the interchange which, together with the Government and TfGM contributions, represents major capital resources at a time of austerity."

Councillor Andrew Fender, Chair of the Transport for Greater Manchester Committee, said: “The Rochdale Interchange will be a distinctive new landmark, and along with the Metrolink extension is crucial to the wider regeneration of Rochdale town centre.

“The Interchange will give Rochdale the brighter, safer and more modern transport facilities the town deserves – and it will be greener too, as the innovative hydropower scheme we’ve installed nearby provides the Interchange with an environmentally-friendly energy source, reducing its carbon footprint.” 

Michelle Geoghegan, Rochdale Local Policy Manager at Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, said: "We are delighted to see this commitment to the development of Rochdale's infrastructure. This is great news for the people of Rochdale to access the town centre and the new jobs that will be created.

"We know that improved transport connectivity provides a boost to economic growth, which is something we have been striving for in Rochdale. We also hope that the new transport interchange will encourage more people to make use of the town centre and its shops and businesses.

"We hope the building of the interchange will involve local firms to support the construction sector and the local economy."

The Rochdale Interchange was one of 20 schemes given initial approval in the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement at the end of the last year. This is the first of those schemes to reach final approval, which means that all statutory powers have been sought and contracts approved. Work can now start on the main construction works with the new bus station scheduled to open in summer 2013.