Stockport is set to be connected to the Metrolink within the next decade as part of the region’s ambitious transport plans, Andy Burnham has said.
But the Greater Manchester Mayor added that the funding for the project would have to come from the government, rather than being raised at a local level.
The region’s newly unveiled ‘Our Network’ strategy commits to ‘developing options for tram-train services’ along a number of routes in the borough over the next five years.
These include the Marple line, Stockport to Hazel Grove and between Stockport and Manchester Airport.
At a meeting of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Stockport council leader Elise Wilson asked the Mayor to give a clearer indication of when the borough could expect to be connected to the ‘wider network’.
Mr Burnham said: “Our aim is for Stockport to be part of the Metrolink system within the next decade.”
“There are a number of options for how that could be done and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) will be working through those options with Stockport council over the coming weeks and months.”
However, he threw in a crucial caveat suggesting the arrival of trams in Stockport – whether via new track or on existing rail lines – was by no means certain.
He continued: “It’s important to point out that would require government funding.”
“We would not be able to identify the funding at a Greater Manchester level to do that, but obviously we would want to work with colleagues in Stockport to make that case to the government.”
Despite the potential funding barriers, Coun Wilson has welcomed Mr Burnham’s statement as ‘great news for Stockport’ and evidence the borough was securing ‘significant commitments’ on the Metrolink.
Speaking after the meeting, she said: “Stockport has been left out of Metrolink for too long.
“This commitment is a significant step towards rectifying this which also shows the importance of working together with Greater Manchester colleagues for the benefit of Stockport residents.
“Having the collective voice of the combined authority backing means a stronger case to government to make this happen.”
Coun Wilson added that efforts would continue towards ‘bringing about the affordable, integrated and efficient public transport network residents deserve’.
And Coun David Meller, Stockport council’s cabinet member for economy and regeneration, said that connections to the Metrolink would bring ‘significant benefits’ to the borough.
He added that as well as the boost to the town centre, there would also be scope to extend the network to areas such as Hazel Grove, Marple and Cheadle.
“This is an opportunity to ensure the extensive regeneration efforts in the town centre further benefit other parts of the borough as part of our commitment to our district centres,” he said.
