Could these two Greater Manchester towns be getting the Metrolink?

Will they, won’t they?

Noel and Liam don’t look like they are getting back together any time soon, but Stockport and Bolton might just might finally be getting a Metrolink extension, according to City Mayor Andy Burnham. 

Not only that, but Cheadle could be getting a stop, too. 

Bolton and Stockport Metrolink 

Speaking earlier this week, Andy Burnham says a decision is set to be made ‘this summer’. 

The Greater Manchester Mayor said that Transport for Greater Manchester (TFGM) is putting together a business plan – described as ‘water-tight’ – to present to the government to get funding for the ambitious project. 

Plans are in place to extend the Metrolink down south to Stockport, and up north as far as Middleton, Heywood, Bolton and even the Atom Valley Business site. 

This is, however, not the first time these plans have been suggested. 

What has Andy Burnham said?

In 2023, Andy Burnham promised to create a business case and share it with the public, to bring the Metrolink to Stockport by the end of the year. 

Unfortunately, that didn’t happen. And it looks like summer 2024 could be the date we finally get our answer. 

Stockport Interchange 

Following the grand opening of a brand new £140m interchange in Stockport earlier this week, Andy Burnham has confirmed that the popular commuter town could finally be joining the Transport for Greater Manchester’s tram network.

The impressive new interchange connects Stockport bus services to the train station with a brand-new walkway, with entrances on Mersey Square, Swaine Street and Daw Bank. 

And they are not done yet. 

Ongoing developments include a new spiral walking and cycling ramp, to connect the new Interchange Park with the Trans Pennine Trail.

The interchange is part of a £1bn investment to make Stockport a better place to both live and visit. 

“We will bring Metrolink to Stockport, the question is how quickly can we do that,” said Mr Burnham.

“We may be able to bring two together in tandem, one going north, one going south, we’re just looking at that at the moment, and we will make a decision by the middle of this year.”

So there are glimmers of hope Bolton could be connected to the network, too. 

Mr Burnham confirmed that all of these areas were ‘priorities’ for TfGM and said “We want to take Metrolink to as many places as possible”.

So what do you think? Will Stockport finally get the metro?

Answers on a postcard please.