Construction work on the long-awaited new railway station at Cheadle is set to begin later this month, marking a major milestone for one of Stockport’s most anticipated transport projects.
Following years of detailed technical work, led by partners across the rail industry and backed by Stockport Council, a key obstacle that had stalled progress on the scheme has now taken a huge leap forward.
The latest assessment by Network Rail and Northern Trains Ltd concludes that Cheadle Station could be introduced without r removing a significant barrier that had put the project at risk.
The latest assessment by rail industry partners has demonstrated that the risks of delay to services along the line can be reasonably managed and should not be considered as a reason for stopping further progress being made on the Cheadle project.
The breakthrough follows a sustained campaign by Stockport Council and local partners to secure the station, which would reconnect Cheadle to the rail network for the first time in more than 60 years and improve access to jobs, education and opportunities across the region.
It means work on the highway near the location of the station can finally start on site later this month, following months of detailed technical work involving the Department for Transport, Network Rail, Northern, Transport for Greater Manchester, Stockport Council and local partners.
Cllr Mark Roberts, Leader of Stockport Council, said: “This is a hugely significant moment for Cheadle and for Stockport.
“For years we’ve fought for this station because we know the difference it will make to residents, businesses and the future prosperity of the area.
“Cheadle Station has always been about improving connections, creating opportunities and making it easier for people to travel for work, education and leisure and I am delighted that the highways work can now start on site later this month thanks to the persistence and partnership of all involved.”
Cllr Mark Roberts in Cheadle
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Brian Bradley, Chair of the Cheadle Towns Fund Board, said: “This is a fantastic milestone for Cheadle and a moment that many people have worked hard to achieve over a number of years. The Towns Fund Board has always recognised the transformational impact that a new railway station can have, not only by improving connections but by supporting local businesses, attracting investment and helping to secure Cheadle’s long-term economic future.
“We are delighted that the project is now moving forward and that residents will soon start to see progress on the ground. Bringing rail services back to Cheadle will create new opportunities for people to travel, work and visit the area, while supporting our ambition for a thriving, well-connected town centre.”
The rail industry’s latest position recognises that any operational impacts can be managed while further timetable modelling continues, with the previous proposal to remove services at Ashley and Plumley no longer required.
The rail industry’s latest position recognises that any operational impacts can be managed while further work continues.
Cheadle Station is another major step forward in transforming how people travel to, from and around Stockport.
This new station is more than a transport investment; it is a clear demonstration of Stockport’s continuing development success and the confidence, ambition and momentum that are helping to shape our borough’s future.
Alongside the award-winning Stockport Interchange and plans moving forward to bring Metrolink to the borough, Cheadle station will help create a new generation of transport connections that support homes, jobs, businesses and investment.
Together, these projects are reshaping Stockport’s future as one of the best-connected destinations in the North of the UK.
Further information can be found at https://www.stockport.gov.uk/cheadle-towns-fund/cheadle-railway-station