Here's a first look at plans for Rochdale's new transport Interchange. The new facility will be on Smith Street, next to the River Roch and is lightyears ahead of the current concrete monstrosity.
While originally intended to serve Metrolink trams as well as buses, the interchange became bus only when funds to extend the currently in-development Rochdale and Oldham line beyond Rochdale rail station could not be found.
No word on when the new Interchange will be built but the plans include a shop, a Travelshop, toilets, bus operator and supervisor facilities, as well as electronic passenger information displays.
Look wise, it's no major departure from recent GMPTE bus station designs, such as Shudehill Interchange, Middleton and Hyde. Still, we're sure the people of Rochdale will appreciate not having to enter a concrete hell-hole in order to catch a bus, as they do right now.
UPDATE: We've just heard this from GMPTE:
Subject to planning permission being granted early next year, work should start on site in autumn next year and construction should take around 15 months (so it should open early 2012).
The interchange will be next to the proposed town centre Metrolink stop (for which outline planning permission has been granted). Funding for the Metrolink line to Rochdale town centre has been earmarked via the Greater Manchester Transport Fund, a £1.5bn 10-year investment programme agreed by the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities in May this year. The fund covers 15 major transport schemes and a delivery programme, which will outline when work could start on each scheme, is being finalised.
Well, I think any new bus station in Rochdale would be welcomed. The current one is certainly not the most pleasant of places to arrive in, particularly when you go under the car park.
The only worry is that the new one looks a bit smaller than the current one. Could end up like Oldham with buses queuing up at the same stands.
Posted by: Shaun | October 24, 2009 at 06:39 PM
On GMPTE's press release, the image is named news_pic_altrincham_231009 - hooray for SEO! :)
Posted by: JimmyMac | October 25, 2009 at 11:15 AM
I like how the roof resembles a triptych of fallen leaves along the River Roch. As with Middleton's new bus station, I also noticed terminal style stands towards the left hand side, partly obscured by the third 'leaf'.
Posted by: Stuart Vallantine | October 27, 2009 at 02:40 PM
Thats a beautiful bus station. Who are the designers?
Posted by: Great Lakes Coach | October 28, 2009 at 04:59 PM
Great Lakes Coach: it was designed by Jacobs UK Ltd, Marston and Grundy, Aedas Architects Limited, Davis Langdon LLP and Atkins.
Posted by: Martin Bryant | October 29, 2009 at 12:41 PM
Looks pretty cool to me, but will it ever happen ? :-)
Posted by: Mark Andrews | November 02, 2009 at 04:13 AM