Work on the long-awaited new train station in Cheadle will begin this week, after years of delays and a resolved timetabling issue.
The project, which had funding approved in 2022 and planning permission granted in 2023, will see a new station built next to the Alexandra Hospital. Services are expected to run into Stockport, Manchester Piccadilly, and Chester. The village previously had a station off the high street, but it closed in 1917.
Project Cleared After Timetabling Concern
The scheme had been held up by an unresolved timetabling issue over concerns the new station could impact trains elsewhere on the network. A previous proposal had suggested removing services at Ashley and Plumley to accommodate the new station.
Stockport Council announced the news after sources told the Manchester Evening News on September 28 that the project had been given the go-ahead. The council said the latest assessment by Network Rail and Northern Trains Ltd concludes that Cheadle Station could be introduced without removing a significant barrier that had put the project at risk, and those plans have now been dropped.
Local Leaders Welcome the Milestone
Coun Mark Roberts, Liberal Democrat leader of Stockport Council, said: “This is a hugely significant moment for Cheadle and for Stockport. For years we’ve fought for this station because we know the difference it will make to residents, businesses and the future prosperity of the area.
“Cheadle Station has always been about improving connections, creating opportunities and making it easier for people to travel for work, education and leisure and I am delighted that the highways work can now start on site later this month thanks to the persistence and partnership of all involved.”
Brian Bradley, chair of the Cheadle Towns Fund Board, said: “This is a fantastic milestone for Cheadle and a moment that many people have worked hard to achieve over a number of years. The Towns Fund Board has always recognised the transformational impact that a new railway station can have, not only by improving connections but by supporting local businesses, attracting investment and helping to secure Cheadle’s long-term economic future.
“We are delighted that the project is now moving forward and that residents will soon start to see progress on the ground. Bringing rail services back to Cheadle will create new opportunities for people to travel, work and visit the area, while supporting our ambition for a thriving, well-connected town centre.”
MP and Councillor Hail the Outcome
Cheadle MP Tom Morrison said: “Getting here has been a real team effort”, adding: “Cheadle has waited more than 100 years for a station, and now it’s finally happening.
“It will connect our 23,000 residents to jobs, schools and opportunities across Greater Manchester, and take traffic off our busy roads. Now the focus must be on getting spades in the ground quickly.”
Cheadle Hulme North Labour councillor David Meller, who helped kickstart the plans for the new station, said: “I can’t express how delighted I am that finally, after the best part of seven years work, we finally have full agreement to get Cheadle railway station built.
“The benefits this simple, one-platform station will deliver for Cheadle and Stockport are immense. It will help rejuvenate Cheadle village and address the chronic lack of public transport within Cheadle, as well as support other nearby areas like Cheadle Heath.
He added: “To see that we’re finally there is incredible. There is no further time to lose in building it. I’m just so glad my work and that of others has paid off – and in return, we can finally repay residents’ immense patience and enthusiasm for the station.”
