Transport Interchange Construction Revival

Many construction projects throughout the UK might be on hold because of Coronavirus, but a range of transport interchange construction projects are already in the pipelines.

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) have recruited Wilmot Dixon for transport interchange in Stockport, in addition to pushing through a redevelopment of Ashton Interchange. According to market research, the contractor will start work next year after pipping big names such as Galliford Try, Morgan Sandall and VINCI to the post for the £120 million job.

The scheme at Stockport will be jointly developed by TfGM and Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council, and will feature a rooftop car park, a cycle and footbridge, and will also be connected to the A6.

Wilmot Dixon Managing Director for the North, Anthony Dillon said: “This exciting project will be a catalyst for the regeneration of the town centre and create a new gateway for the people of Stockport.”

BDP architects and Places Matter have also designed the development which will include a 17-storey residential block featuring up to 200 flats, with work set to start next year. Willmott Dixon have also picked up a job to build a £3.9 million transport interchange in Stevenage for the local borough council and work should start before the end of the year, with this being dependent on the Coronavirus shutdown.

When looking at Scotland and Wales, there are a number of transport projects which are at various stages in the production process.

They include:

• A £3 million transport interchange at Glasgow due to start next year
• A £9.5 million bus station in Merthyr Tydfill which work had begun on before the virus made sites close down.

Construction has also been delayed at the £89 million transport interchange in Cardiff, its being developed by Cardiff-based Rightachers as its flagship Central Square mixed-use develop scheme and is being funded by Legal and General.

Local architects Holder Mathias Architects are designing the scheme, which includes a 14-bay bus interchange along with a covered concourse. It will also include 318 apartments for the private rented sector, along with office space. Work on the site in Cardiff will resume once it is safe to do so, but there are still a number of projects powering through the development process.

According to research, procurement has just started to replace Kingston-Upon-Thames bus station. The contract is worth £5 million; however, it is unlikely the work would start until next year, which also depends on the containment of COVID-19. Other projects which could start next year include a £500,000 transport distribution hub in Maidstone, along with a £20 million bus station project in Dudley for the West Midlands Combined Authority.

The Dudley bus station project will link up to the West Midlands Metro, which is to be extended to the town, and, is providing the catalyst for wider urban regeneration plans.

Councillor Pat Harley, Leader of Dudley Council said: “Along with the new bus and tram interchange, and he proposed Metro extension from Wednesbury to Brieley Hill will run through Dudley, it promises an exciting future.”

This piece originally was published by Glenigan

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