Works at Cheadle train station still yet to begin, according to council
Nearly 2 years on from securing funding, no construction has yet begun on the proposed new station for Cheadle.
In July 2022 it was announced that Stockport Council had secured nearly £14 million in funding for the area from the government’s Towns Fund.
Along with two other projects, the grant was set to fund a new train station, slated for opening in 2025.
But with as yet no signs of activity at the proposed site, Stockport Council have confirmed that the project is still in the planning stages.
When approached for comment, a council spokesperson said: “Following granting of full planning approval in October 2023, the scheme is currently progressing through detailed design work and complex network planning with key rail industry stakeholders.
“Early site activity is currently expected to begin this Autumn with the main works starting in 2025, with the aim to complete the project by the end of that year.”
Cheadle Green today – the proposed station will be to the left of the red railway bridge. Image Credit: Google Maps 2024
The £3.6 billion Towns Fund was announced by Boris Johnson’s government back in July 2019 as part of the ‘levelling-up agenda’.
Struggling towns deemed in need of funding were invited to apply – and Cheadle was one of the lucky 101.
One Facebook user on local page The SK8 Group suggested politics was at play behind the nomination.
“The only reason we’re getting this station is because we’re a marginal constituency and the Conservatives saw fit to move some [funding] around for us after we voted them in at the last election”, John Tyson said.
A Towns Fund Board was set up following the nomination, and an investment plan submitted to government in October 2020 which outlined three projects: a green business park, improved walking and cycling routes, and a new station.
The announcement in 2022 that funding had been secured was welcomed by many, as poor public transport has long been a source of local complaint.
Buses from Cheadle into neighbouring Didsbury – where residents are spoiled with a choice of buses, trains and trams into the city centre – run roughly every half an hour and stop just after 8pm.
Bus stop by the George & Dragon, High Street, Cheadle by Robin Stott, via Wikimedia Commons
Former Cheadle East and Cheadle Hulme North councillor Yvonne Guariento said she and her fellow councillor David Meller were thrilled by the proposals.
“All Cheadle councillors will share mixed feelings of excitement, relief and slight frustration and the delays regarding the new Cheadle station”, she said.
“We are relieved that it is now a reality and will lead to a substantial reduction in traffic between Cheshire and Manchester. Any frustration arises from our eagerness to see it completed amid the delays.
“However, we understand the need for thorough investigation into the site.”
“Overall, it is a very welcome addition to Cheadle and will add to its attraction as an employment hub, major shopping destination and nightlife venue.”
Image Credit: David Dixon, Wikimedia Commons
But opinion on local forums is divided as to whether the station could be an answer to Cheadle’s transport woes.
“The line is single track, shared with freight, so if we get 2 trains an hour we’ll be doing well. In my opinion, it’s a white elephant”, said Lee Freedman.
He added that creating a circular between Cheadle and East Didsbury, so that residents could access existing infrastructure there, would have been “far cheaper and more efficient”.
Ian Cookson admitted that he hadn’t seen the council’s projections on passenger numbers, but said he was sceptical that the station would reduce congestion in the area.
“The route only heads into Stockport, and most traffic through Cheadle is heading into Manchester.
“People are very conscious of travel time and if heading into Stockport then Manchester via train takes longer than driving, it’s unlikely to encourage modal shift.”
Another user expressed concerns as to whether the 70 designated spaces at the station would be enough to ease the impact on local residential roads.
“The rest will be parking on any road around the village that’s free…that won’t be helpful for those of us who are struggling to park outside our own houses now”, said Cat Kins.
Some were frustrated by the project’s slow progress: “The Macau bridge that links Hong Kong to mainland China is 55 km long and now complete. There’s been talk about this new station in Cheadle long before that work had started”, said Simon Whitby.
“My point is far too much chitchat and no action.”
A view of the railway bridge and former station building to the left. Image Credit: Uncaptioned post card c1905, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.
“It’s a bit frustrating with the time it’s taking but these projects always seem to take ages”, said John Tyson.
“Hopefully it will be good for the village somehow, give the high street a bit of a boost?”
“It’s 100% going ahead and is great news”, said user Norman No-One.
Trains do still pass through the village on the railway bridge over Manchester Road, 100m north of the high street – but there hasn’t been a station there for over 100 years.
Cheadle railway station opened in 1866 on the Chester-Manchester line but sadly closed to passengers in 1917.
The proposed station is to be built on the same site.
