Stockport Secures £2.5bn Transport Boost as Metrolink Extension Moves Forward

Stockport’s long-anticipated Metrolink extension is one step closer to becoming a reality, following a landmark £2.5 billion government funding announcement. The investment, part of a wider £15.6 billion package for transport improvements across England’s city regions, is set to deliver major infrastructure upgrades that could reshape the town’s future.

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham hailed the funding as “game-changing,” confirming it will accelerate the rollout of the Bee Network Britain’s first fully integrated, all-electric, zero-emission public transport system, targeted for completion by 2030. For Stockport, this means direct tram connections to the wider region and significantly enhanced commuter access.

The funding will also deliver 1,000 new electric buses, upgraded interchanges, and additional tram stops across Greater Manchester, including locations in Bury, Oldham, and North Manchester. These developments are expected to improve journey times, reduce emissions, and support broader economic growth by increasing mobility across key urban areas.

Stockport is already benefitting from substantial regeneration, with the new Metrolink-ready interchange completed and the town centre undergoing one of the UK’s most ambitious urban redevelopments. Council Leader Cllr Mark Roberts described the latest funding commitment as “a powerful signal that investment is following ambition,” highlighting Stockport’s position as Greater Manchester’s fastest-growing town.

The town’s property market has been particularly responsive. Demand from both buyers and renters has surged, making Stockport one of the fastest-moving housing markets in the North West. Its combination of competitive pricing, improved infrastructure, and proximity to Manchester continues to attract investors seeking long-term value and growth.

With enhanced transport links, sustained regeneration, and a growing economy, Stockport is quickly emerging as a key hub within Greater Manchester. The latest investment is more than a transport upgrade; it represents a strategic move toward a more connected, sustainable, and prosperous future for the town.