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From late April an eye-catching spiral and cycle walking ramp will connect the new park with the River Mersey frontage and Trans Pennine Trail , giving people easy access between the park and on to the town centre on cycle or foot .
A new stretch of the banks of the Mersey will be opened up , creating a riverside space that can be enjoyed by the public .
The interchange is a major project costing £ 140m with construction starting in 2021 .
Mayor of Greater Manchester , Andy Burnham , said : “ Stockport now has an absolutely world-class transport interchange that will play a key role in bringing prosperity to the town and its people in the future .
“ Safe , reliable and affordable public transport and active travel facilities are central to improving life for people and businesses in Greater Manchester and I have no doubt this impressive new interchange will do just that .
“ These new connections will open up more opportunities for people to access jobs , skills and education , while supporting the regeneration of the area by attracting increased footfall and investment .
“ When we set up the Mayoral Development Corporation it was about delivering an ambitious vision for the town and the interchange is showing this mission in action . It has also been delivered on time and on budget – and I would like to thank everyone that has worked so hard to make this happen .”
Clean , safe and welcoming , facilities at the new interchange include a covered concourse with seated waiting areas , information screens showing real-time bus and train information and a ticket and information .
There are also fully accessibly toilets and Changing Places facilities , lifts and ramps providing step-free access , wayfinding lines and tactile stand indicators . Cycle parking facilities can be found in the A6 archway along the Mersey Frontage , while a taxi rank for customers is located near the Interchange Pavilion exit on Mersey Square .
Eamonn Boylan , Interim Chair of Stockport MDC , added : “ This year marks five years since Stockport MDC was established as a key delivery vehicle for Stockport ’ s trailblazing regeneration . It is testament to the expertise and collaboration of our board and partners that we have been able to open a landmark scheme for the region in that time frame , despite the substantial socioeconomic challenges .
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