A major Stockport site just off the M60 will be the 'first of its kind' as part of a significant overhaul of bus services across Greater Manchester. Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is proposing to build a new fully electric facility in Stockport ahead of their current depot being demolished to make way for the wider regeneration of the town centre. Much of the current Daw Bank site is due to be demolished in early 2027.
This demolition is to make way for more than 400 new homes planned for the site as part of the Stockport Council-led Stockport 8 development, which aims to build around 1,300 homes. The former Lex Autolease site on Heathside Park Road in Cheadle Heath has now been identified as the location for the new electric vehicle depot. The site sits just to the south of the M60.
The decision by TfGM follows the decision to order more electric buses, with the aim for the region to have a fully electric bus fleet by 2030. Any new depot would be able to accommodate around 200 buses, 'offering much more space and flexibility than the current site at Daw Bank'.
Timeline and Temporary Depots
Subject to planning approval, construction on the Heathside Park Road site is expected to start in 2027, with the new electric depot expected to be operational by late 2029. A planning application is expected to be submitted later this year. In the meantime, temporary bus depots will be built at Heaton Lane and Wood Street.
Quotes from Officials
Chris Barnes, Infrastructure Delivery Director at TfGM, said: 'Modernising the Bee Network means better services for passengers and cleaner air for everyone in Greater Manchester. That’s why we’ve been investing in our depots, upgrading them to accommodate our growing fleet of electric buses. This site in Stockport offers us the perfect opportunity to build the first electric bus depot of its kind in Greater Manchester – one that is purpose-built and fit for the future. And it also means the regeneration of the town centre can continue. We look forward to speaking with local residents about the proposals as we prepare to submit our plans for the depot to Stockport Council later this year.'
Coun Mark Roberts, leader of Stockport Council, said: 'These proposals represent another important step in two major ambitions we share across Stockport: creating a modern, fully electric public transport network and continuing the transformation of Stockport town centre. The move to a purpose-built electric bus depot is intended to support the Bee Network’s journey towards a zero-emission fleet and sits alongside our wider regeneration ambitions, including Stockport 8, which will deliver new homes, public spaces and opportunities for future generations in the heart of our borough. We know local residents will want to understand more about the proposals from TfGM and I would encourage people to take part in their drop-in session to learn more. As the local planning authority, any future planning application will be considered through the appropriate process and on its planning merits.'
