Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has unveiled plans for a new pedestrian bridge that would form a key part of the city's first operationally carbon-neutral transport hub at the Bury Exchange.
Intended to span the tram lines from Union Square to Pyramid Park, the new footbridge will serve as ‘a second, new access to the tram platforms’.
The submission of the planning application to Bury Council this week comes after the Government recently approved the outline business case for the redevelopment, to fast-track the project. TfGM can now continue to develop its plans for the wider scheme.
This new interchange will be a key part of the Bee Network - Greater Manchester’s interconnected transport network - and offer improved facilities for customers using buses, trams and active travel.
Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: ‘These plans not only provide passengers with more ways to get to the tram platforms in Bury, they lay the groundwork for an ambitious transformation of the town’s transport interchange.
‘We’re keeping up the pace on making our public transport network the best in the UK and the Government’s approval of the outline business case for the redevelopment of the interchange is another crucial step forward for Bury and Greater Manchester.
‘The current interchange is way past its best and building on the success of Bee Network interchange upgrades – such as the wonderful space we now have in Stockport – our plan is to create a modern, attractive and user-friendly public transport hub for Bury and a much-improved gateway to the town.
‘Bury will also be Greater Manchester’s first operationally carbon-neutral interchange, playing a key role in helping us meet our ‘net zero’ target by 2038 and creating a greener, healthier future for our city region.'
TfGM say that these new plans are all part of a ‘major push’ by the region to deliver what they refer to as ‘transport-led regeneration’. This approach will feature transport hubs at the core of plans for regeneration in town centres, with the goal of encouraging more people to use public transport.
As a central component of the ‘Bury’s Town Centre Masterplan’, the new interchange is intended to act as a catalyst for wider regeneration in the area, with Bury Council looking to bring new homes to Pyramid Park.
Designs for the redeveloped interchange are currently being drawn up, with public consultation proposed for 2026 before a planning application is submitted.
The aim is to install the new bridge prior to commencement of any work on the new interchange. TfGM stated that, whilst buses and trams are planned to run during the works, there may be occasions where some service changes are required.
