Construction on Cheadle’s highly anticipated new railway station officially begins this week, marking a major breakthrough for Stockport’s regional transport network. Earlier this year, Stockport Council revealed their strategy to improve transport in the borough by 2042, which included four new stations in the borough including Cheadle.
A new station for Cheadle: reconnecting the town to the passenger rail network for the first time in over 60 years
The project had been delayed by operational concerns, but a recent technical evaluation by rail partners confirmed that potential service impacts along the line are manageable and should no longer block development. This resolution follows years of advocacy by Stockport Council, the Department for Transport, Network Rail, Northern, and Transport for Greater Manchester.
Reconnecting Cheadle to the passenger rail network for the first time in over 60 years, the new station aims to significantly boost local access to jobs, education, and regional opportunities. Initial highway work adjacent to the site is now underway.
The new rail station in Cheadle, next to the Alexandra Hospital, will run services on the Chester to Manchester (Mid-Cheshire) line, stopping at Stockport town centre, Manchester Piccadilly and Chester.
“This is a hugely significant moment for Cheadle and for Stockport.”
Cllr Mark Roberts, 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.”
“Bringing rail services back to Cheadle will create new opportunities for people to travel, work and visit the area.”
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.”
The rail industry acknowledges that further technical work will need to be done so that the removal of services at Ashley and Plumley is no longer required.
