Work set to start on Wythenshawe’s brand new interchange

Construction of Wythenshawe’s new bus and tram interchange will begin soon.

Following a competitive tendering process via the North West Construction Hub (NWCH) framework, Kier Construction has been awarded the contract to construct the new interchange designed by Aedas Architects. The contract is worth approximately £5m.

Construction of Wythenshawe’s new bus and tram interchange will begin soon

The new interchange, which will be located off Poundswick Lane next to Wythenshawe Forum, is being delivered by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and is being jointly funded by TfGM and Manchester City Council.

The Interchange site has been previously occupied by Metrolink as part of the Airport Line expansion (due for completion in 2016).

Metrolink have vacated the compound and Kier Construction will now begin a short period of mobilisation. Survey and testing work will begin on site next month with construction work expected to begin in early June.

The project will involve the construction of a new bus station alongside the Wythenshawe town centre Metrolink stop and upon completion provide a multi-modal transport Interchange.

For passengers, the new interchange will offer a range of improved services, such as modern, fully-covered waiting areas, better information and ticketing facilities, a safer, more secure waiting environment and greater accessibility.

The interchange will also have a TfGM Travelshop providing tickets and information, a highly visible centralised bus supervisor’s office and cycle parking facilities.

The development will also support the wider regeneration of Wythenshawe town centre, with the release of land occupied by the current bus station on Rowlandsway playing a key role in that.

Councillor Andrew Fender, TfGM Committee Chair, said: “I’m delighted that we have reached this important milestone in the project and that people will shortly see work starting on the ground – a very real and tangible sign that their new interchange is on its way.

“It’s going to provide a modern, high quality gateway to the town centre for both bus and Metrolink passengers, improving public transport links to jobs, education and leisure with over 52,000 people working in Wythenshawe across a variety of large employers.”

Gary Wintersgill, Managing Director of Kier Construction in the north, added: “This is the second interchange being built for TfGM by Kier; Rochdale is now complete and open and we look forward to delivering another high quality building in Wythenshawe, which the local community will be proud of.”

Cllr Kate Chappell, Manchester City Council’s executive member for the environment, said: “This is another important part of our joint programme of work with TfGM to deliver better, more integrated public transport in Wythenshawe. It will play a vital role in supporting regeneration in the area as well as making it easier for residents to access jobs and services across Greater Manchester.”

The interchange has been developed in consultation with local bus operators, transport user groups and disability access groups.