More details have been shared regarding the development of a new tram stop in Oldham in the coming years.
Plans have been laid out and funding has been allocated to create a new stop on the Metrolink line at Cop Road, in between the Derker and Shaw and Crompton stops.
Previously, it was said the stop would be developed by 2027, along with the Sandhills stop in Collyhurst which will be in between Manchester Victoria and Monsall.
Now, as Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) lay out more plans for the development of future transport infrastructure in the Greater Manchester area, more details on the Cop Road stop have been provided.
The stop will look to serve the residents of two future housing developments and employment spaces in the area.
Cllr Josh Charters, deputy cabinet member for Bee Network Delivery, said: “This site has been proposed as it could be used by those living and working at any future housing or business developments that are built in that area, as well as by people currently living in Heyside and Sholver.
“The plans are part of our aim to help deliver a better transport system which works for residents and is better for the environment."
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Cllr Charters, who is also a ward councillor for the St James ward where the stop will be built, added: “With the rising cost of living, more residents should be able to travel without relying on cars.
"Building an affordable and reliable public transport system will help to cut pollution and free up road space for essential journeys.
“Better transport links benefit Oldhamers, and in the long term, this will help support the development of new homes, jobs, and businesses whilst opening up the rest of Greater Manchester to our residents.”
Luke Bramwell, head of rapid transit development at TfGM, said the Cop Road stop will include a park and ride facility, which allows people to park their cars at the stop before getting the tram to their destination.
He said: “The combined Broadbent Moss and Beal Valley developments will look to deliver up to 1,950 homes and around 21,000sqm of employment floorspace, along with the necessary accompanying environmental, social and physical infrastructure.
“This includes a new local centre, enhancements to the River Beal and a wetland catchment area.
“A series of transport improvements are also required, including a Metrolink stop and accompanying travel hub (including park and ride). This would enhance access to Metrolink and have wider public transport benefits for existing and new communities.
“The Metrolink stop and travel hub at Cop Road is one of GM’s transport priorities – identified in the GM 2040 Transport Strategy, Our Five Year Transport Delivery Plan and the draft GM Rapid Transit Strategy.”
Mr Bramwell added that the plans are part of the efforts to reduce Greater Manchester's carbon footprint.
He said: “The Places for Everyone Joint Development Plan Document includes an ambition for Greater Manchester to be carbon neutral by 2038.
“This bold plan requires creation of resilient, liveable places where walking and cycling are the obvious choice for shorter journeys, where facilities and services are accessible and close at hand, and where the past dependency on the car is superseded by a reliable and responsive public transport system.
Cllrs Angela Cosgrove and Beth Sharp, who also represent the ward where the tram stop will be developed, were approached for comment.
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