Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and Stockport Council Leader Cllr Elise Wilson announce business case to extend Metrolink from Didsbury to Stockport will go ahead.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham also calls for Government to work with the Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation so work on Metrolink can begin by 2025.
Lord Kerslake, former Head of the Civil Service, is appointed Chair of Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation.
At today’s Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation board meeting, GM Mayor Andy Burnham and SMBC Leader Cllr Elise Wilson revealed Transport for Greater Manchester and Stockport Council will start work on business case to extend Metrolink from Didsbury to Stockport.
Stockport had previously been given a commitment to be included within the Metrolink system ‘within the next decade’ by the GM Mayor following persistent lobbying by Cllr Elise Wilson.
However, timescales could be brought forward thanks to existing projects by the Labour led Council. The formation of the MDC in Sept 2019 to create the Greater Manchester’s newest, coolest, greenest urban neighbourhood coupled with the development of Stockport Interchange have laid the groundwork for bringing Metrolink to Stockport earlier than expected.
As a result, once the business case is submitted, work could commence on bringing Metrolink to Stockport in 2025 if the Government agrees to let the MDC apply for transport powers and funding at the same time.
The GM Mayor also welcomed Lord Kerslake, the former Head of the Civil Service, in his new role as the new Chair of the MDC board. Lord Kerslake has a wealth of experience working within national and local Government and is the perfect candidate to help deliver transport projects and boost regeneration plans for the town centre.
Cllr Elise Wilson, Leader of the Council, said:
“Since Labour took control of the Council, we have worked relentlessly to put Stockport at the front of the queue once the next phase of Metrolink development opens.
“The Mayor Andy Burnham is probably tired of hearing me talking about Metrolink, but I would like to thank him for all his help and support to reach this point.
“We absolutely believe sustainable public transport is the future and will improve the lives of residents right across the borough in so many ways.
“I am convinced we have strong business case and Stockport will finally get the public transport it deserves. We have pressed for Metrolink from day 1 and this announcement takes a big step toward making it a reality.
“I would also like to welcome Lord Kerslake, we are delighted to have such an influential person who is so enthusiastic on board. It shows confidence in both our ambitions for Stockport and in our ability to deliver.”
Cllr David Meller, Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration, added:
“Since I was little and being brought up in Edgeley, the prospect of Metrolink coming to Stockport has been talked about and talked about – but it’s never come because the leadership has never been there to get it done.
“However, under this Labour-led council and through Mayor Andy Burnham, the talking has finally stopped and we’ve got decisive action.
“Through using the Mayoral Development Corporation, Stockport is now realising its vast potential and helping us unlock projects that have just been talked about for years on end.
“We’re putting the borough on the national stage, which is also shown through Lord Kerslake taking the helm of the MDC.
“To say I’m incredibly excited of what we’ve announced today would be an understatement. This is what being in local government is about: delivering for people and making our town a better place to live, work and enjoy.”
ENDS