Transport plans sent to council

The interchange will be built next to the town's proposed tram stop

Detailed plans for a new £11.5m transport interchange in Rochdale have been submitted for council approval.

The development, on Smith Street, will replace the existing bus station and will be built next to the proposed town centre Metrolink stop.

Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE) said passengers would notice a "vast improvement" on the existing 1970s bus station.

Building work is expected to start in late 2010, it added.

Plans have been developed in consultation with local bus operators, transport users and disability groups, GMPTE said.

Funding secured

Michael Renshaw, GMPTE's interim bus and rail director, said: "Rochdale's new transport interchange will be a vast improvement for both passengers and bus operators, who currently use a very outdated bus station built in the 1970s.

"Bus passenger and driver safety is our highest priority and has been integral to the design of the new interchange."

He added: "There is still some work to do but I'm sure people in Rochdale will welcome the vast improvement it offers on the existing bus station."

The new interchange will feature a shop, ticket office, toilets, facilities for bus drivers and electronic passenger information displays.

In March 2008, the Department for Transport (DoT) agreed funding of £10m towards the project.

The remaining £1.5m was secured from the Rochdale Development Agency.