Public get say on Altrincham Interchange plans

The public will be able to have their say on the £19m redevelopment of Altrincham Interchange through a consultation exercise that starts next week.

The Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE) will display plans to revamp existing facilities, which will include new baby changing facilities, and improve links between bus, train and tram services.

The new interchange will also feature a modern concourse with an integrated ticket office and new footbridge.

GMPTE said the rail station buildings will be’ substantially retained and enhanced with the impact to the existing platform canopies kept to a minimum wherever possible.’Improvements will also be introduced to the rail platforms; the station building next to platform one; the entrance to the station from Moss Lane and the pedestrian area on Stamford New Road.

Councillor Ian Macdonald, chair of the Greater Manchester Integrated Transport Authority (GMITA), which is overseeing the redevelopment, said: “The comments we receive during this consultation will let us know if there are further areas we need to consider before finalising our proposals, so I would encourage as many people as possible to get involved.

“We are keen to ensure that we provide a facility that not only caters for the needs of passengers today and long into the future, but which also celebrates the history of the existing interchange.”

The exhibitions will take place at:

Altrincham Interchange Booking Hall: 14 September & 23 September (from 7am to 7pm) and 2 October (from 10am to 4pm).

Altrincham Library: 28 September (from 12pm to 7pm).

Altrincham Stamford Quarter Shopping Centre: 5 October (from 10am to 4pm).

In addition, a special meeting of the Altrincham North and South Forums will be held on 18 October from 6pm at Altrincham Town Hall for people to discuss the proposals.<./p>

Unstaffed exhibitions will be on permanent display at both Altrincham Library and Trafford Council’s buildings at Sale Waterside from Monday 6 September until Monday 18 October.

Comments and queries can also be raised by visiting www.gmpte.com, emailing altrinchaminterchange@gmpte.gov.uk, calling 0161 244 1899 or writing to GMPTE Altrincham Interchange Consultation, Freepost RRHE-RKUU-KSJY, Manchester M1 3BG.

The consultation will close on Monday 25 October. Construction could start during 2011 and be completed by the end of 2013.