Transport Minister visits interchange site

Norman Baker with Councillor Colin Lambert

Transport Minister Norman Baker visited Rochdale today (27 March) to visit the site of the recently approved Transport Interchange on Smith Street.

The government gave full and final approval for the new £11.5m interchange in February and work is due to start in April.

The scheme has been funded by the Department for Transport, Rochdale Council and Transport for Greater Manchester.

Mr Baker, joined by Council Leader, Councillor Colin Lambert, viewed the site from the top of the existing bus station car park on Smith Street.

The aim of the visit was to see the importance of the interchange and its crucial role in the regeneration of Rochdale town centre

Mr Baker said having visited the existing bus station it was clear that action had to be taken.

He said it is not a facility for the 21st century and that is why the Government chose to “come in and help fund it.”

Mr Baker added that the Department for Transport has two aims: to create growth and cutting carbon and he said that the new interchange “pushes both those buttons.”

Councillor Lambert said that the interchange is an example of a co-operation because of the involvement at both local and central government levels.

The new interchange aims to improve safety and security for bus passengers and will link directly with the new Metrolink extension currently under construction.

The interchange will be on the site adjacent to the existing bus station and next to the new Council offices currently under construction.

It will replace the current 1970s bus station under the multi-storey car park.

The site of the existing station will now be redeveloped as part of the wider £250m town centre redevelopment plans.

The Rochdale Interchange was one of 20 schemes given initial approval in the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement at the end of the last year.

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.