The Rochdale Interchange was one of 20 schemes given initial approval in the chancellor’s last autumn statement. 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.
The new interchange is expected to improve safety and security for bus passengers and will link directly with the new Manchester Metrolink extension that is currently under construction.
The interchange will be built next to the new council offices that are also under construction. It will replace the current 1970s bus station under the multi-storey car park. The site of the existing station will be used as part of a wider £250m town centre redevelopment.
Local transport minister 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.”
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