£19 million redesign of Altrincham Transport Interchange complete

Redevelopment work carried out on the Altrincham Transport Interchange is now complete following a £19 million investment.

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) commissioned the redesign, led by architects AHR, to improve service through greater integration of public transport including bus, taxi, rail, tram and cycling. The interchange provides a vital link to Greater Manchester and the North West connecting central Manchester and the airport as well as the towns of Chester and Warrington.

With four million passengers using the interchange per year, the redesign incorporates a new concourse along the full length of the building, creating a gateway between the interchange and the town.  The redesign has integrated the existing refurbished Victorian booking hall within a glass structure that allows natural light to enter the building.

The scheme also includes the replacement of a 134 year-old rail bridge that connects all four rail platforms. The new 45t pre-fabricated steel bridge was designed to improve accessibility and circulation between bus, train and tram services.

Safety and security has been improved through the installation of complete CCTV coverage of the interchange and the construction of a new cycle hub with expanded cycle storage, swipe-card entry and 24hour CCTV cover.

Transport for Greater Manchester’s Head of Programme Management Services, Peter Boulton, said: “The redevelopment of the 133-year-old transport interchange has provided passengers with improved facilities and greater integration of transport modes.

“Bus, train and tram passengers can now enjoy the benefits of a fully integrated, fully accessible and eco-friendly transport hub that is sympathetic to the heritage of the original facility.”