New bridge at Metrolink stop first stage in £80M redevelopment of ‘out of date’ transport interchange

Wednesday, 16 July 2025 14:44

By Chris Gee

A new footbridge at Bury Metrolink will mark the first step in plans create a new £80m transport interchange in Bury town centre.

The new Metrolink access and platform improvements will go before the council’s planning committee on Tuesday, July 22.

The applicant, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) said the scheme forms part of a wider plan with the second phase being to demolish the existing 45-year-old bus and tram interchange and build a new modern facility.

That will be subject to a separate planning application in due course. The footbridge will be built over the Metrolink line to allow access from Union Square, off Knowsley Street and Pyramid Park.

Improvements will also be made to the existing platforms and canopies.
The new bridge would allow continued access to the trams when the anticipated demolition of the current interchange and building of the new one happens.

A report to be put before members of the planning committee, said: “The Metrolink currently experiences poor connectivity and particularly from the south of the town.”The construction of the access bridge would provide an alternative access with a new pedestrian route from Union Square to the west and Pyramid Park to the east.

“The new access would also enable the Metrolink to continue its operations while works are carried out to the second phase of development which would comprise the redevelopment of the bus interchange which is a key strategic aim of Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM).”

Earlier this year Bury council gave its reasons as to why the town needed new bus and tram facilities in planning documents.

It said : “Bury Interchange opened in 1980, but many elements have now reached and surpassed their intended lifespan.

“There are several issues with the current interchange in relation to its layout, access and circulation, functionality, capacity and building fabric. “Bury is the only district centre interchange in Greater Manchester yet to be redeveloped to modern standards.

“Noting the recent success of other interchange schemes across the region, the redevelopment of Bury Interchange is seen as the next step in the continued transformation of Greater Manchester’s interchanges to deliver a transport network fit for the 21st Century.

“It is therefore essential to transform the passenger experience.”

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something happening in our Borough?

Let us know by emailing newsdesk@rochvalleyradio.com

All contact will be treated in confidence.

More from Local News

Mid-week Oasis concert sees 12 arrests but no major incidents reported

Greater Manchester Police say the third of five homecoming Oasis concerts in Manchester passed without serious disruption, as officers prepare for a busy final weekend
Healthwatch Rochdale warns of 'devastating blow' after government confirms plans to scrap patient watchdog

Healthwatch Rochdale has criticised a government decision to shut down Healthwatch England and the nationwide network of local Healthwatch organisations, calling it a “devastating blow” to patient voice and local accountability.
Prominent offices overlooking bus station and shopping centre set to become ‘high-end’ flats

Much of a prominent Bury town centre office building could be converted into 28 flats.
BBC must answer serious questions over Gregg Wallace complaints, says Rochdale MP

Paul Waugh MP is calling for accountability from the BBC after an independent report upheld allegations of inappropriate behaviour by Gregg Wallace, and exposed wider failures in how the broadcaster handles misconduct complaints.
Academy trust denies claims of suspending teacher ‘due to having ADHD’

Shaw Education Trust has strongly denied claims that they suspended a Bury teacher ‘due to having ADHD.’
‘We will not tolerate abuse’: Council restricts social media responses after ‘insulting’ comments

A council deleted – and later restricted – comments on a social media post marking non binary persons’ day after it said ‘insulting’ responses were made.
Talented 12-year-old wins place at top dance school

A young dancer has been chosen for an elite training programme after impressing judges with her creative moves.
Man jailed for 13 years after decade-long campaign of child sexual abuse exposed

A Rochdale man has been sentenced to 13 years in prison after being convicted of multiple historic sexual offences, including the rape and sexual assault of a child, following a police investigation spanning over two decades.
Newhouse Academy bans skirts for good as furious parents slam 'woke' uniform overhaul

A Heywood academy has confirmed it will press ahead with changes to its school uniform policy that will require all students to wear trousers from September 2025.
Full list of tram disruption

More disruption is coming to the Metrolink tram network this summer in a £147m upgrade programme.
Rochdale Riverside’s top shopping hacks to stretch your summer budget

Savvy shoppers can unlock free food, parking and family deals at Rochdale Riverside this summer as the centre reveals its top hidden perks.
Night buses to connect Rochdale and Bury with Manchester as Bee Network expands

Two new night bus services will connect Rochdale, Middleton and Bury with Manchester, part of a wider Bee Network upgrade to reverse decades of transport decline and bring 90% of Greater Manchester within five minutes of frequent public transport by 2030.