15.11.13
TfGM to open Rochdale’s £11.5m interchange
Rochdale’s new interchange station opens on Sunday, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has announced.
The £11.5m interchange links directly with the new Metrolink extension, which is due for completion by spring 2014. It replaces the old bus station and is Europe’s first interchange with an integrated hydro-electric power plant, part-funded by the Ticket to Kyoto carbon reduction investment project.
The interchange is part-funded by DfT and has been built by Kier Construction.
Cllr Andrew Fender, chair of the Transport for Greater Manchester Committee, said: “The interchange will provide better links between rail and bus services as well as improved waiting areas, passenger facilities, accessibility, information, safety and security. The facility is also going to play a crucial part in making Rochdale an exciting destination for residents, shoppers and businesses alike.”
Cllr Peter Williams, cabinet member for economic development at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “The opening of this state-of-the-art facility will make a huge difference to our residents and visitors. It is a first class facility which is safe and welcoming and which sits impressively alongside our new customer service centre and offices, which have also been built in a highly sustainable way.”
Cllr Cecile Biant, Chair of Rochdale Township, said: “We have already made huge progress on the regeneration of the town centre and look forward to even more exciting changes in Rochdale in the months to come.”
Transport minister Baroness Kramer said: “I am pleased the Department for Transport has been able to support this scheme. Redevelopment of the existing bus station site is expected to bring some 1,500 new jobs into the town.”
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