Stockport Interchange, the huge infrastructure project at the heart of Stockport town centre, has been open to the public for over a year now.
The interchange project was long in the making and part of a forward-thinking vision to reinvigorate Stockport. Both in terms of aesthetics and function, the project speaks for itself, offering a giant step forward for the town and Stopfordians.
The renaissance team has been deeply involved in many aspects of the interchange development and we’re incredibly proud to have been a part of it. The interchange will feature amongst our biggest projects for a long time to come, not just because of the spectacle of it, but also because of the long-lasting positive effect it will have on the people of Stockport and Greater Manchester.
In this short article, we’re going to reflect on our work to help make Stockport interchange a reality and celebrate the new chapter it’s helping to usher in for Stockport and its people.
The Residential tower
The new Resi tower looking out across the Interchange project provides 70 one-bedroom and 126 two-bedroom apartments in a highly desirable spot.
As structural engineers, we streamlined the construction process, focusing on practicality and environmental impact. We simplified the design of the concrete frame and slabs, which reduced the need for materials and cut CO2 emissions by over 100 tons. Our approach was to deliver straightforward, effective solutions that supported the project’s broader goals. You can read our case study on it here.
The Oculus
The Oculus is a bus station with an aesthetic edge. With a beautifully landscaped garden above, the station itself was more than just a simple structure. It formed part of a vibrant community space for the people of Stockport to enjoy.
In our role as structural engineers, we delivered a design for the building that focused on efficiency and sustainability. By simplifying beam layouts and incorporating movement joints, we reduced material use and embodied carbon while delivering a safe and highly functional structure. The overall area of formwork for the beams and slabs was also reduced, simplifying and speeding up the construction process.We also worked hard to deliver engineering solutions that supported the architectural vision for the Oculus. A good example of this was the design of the nuanced column details that enhanced the structure’s aesthetic without compromising on functionality or sustainability goals.
You can read about these features and more in our case study on the Oculus here.
The Bridgescape
Connecting Stockport train station to the rooftop park, the bridgescape was all about considered engineering and enhancing the connectivity of the interchange.
Faced with topographical challenges, we streamlined the design for buildability, integrating temporary works into permanent structures for the bridge and its abutments. This approach not only facilitated easier construction but also reduced risks and costs.
This part of the interchange project was all about collaboration with others. Working closely with the bridge engineers OPS Structures, we delivered a bridgescape that hit the brief and opened up the interchange project to the connectivity it needed between different transport hubs.
You can read about it in our case study here.
The Cycle Ramp:
As a crucial part of connecting the interchange with sustainable transport networks, the cycle ramp provides cyclists with easy access from the structure to the Mersey Way cycle route.
Our design for the ramp delivered a truly unique look while prioritising buildability and accessibility. We had to navigate many underground constraints and deliver something durable and built to last. To do that, we adapted foundation designs for practicality and collaborated closely on manufacturing and installation processes with other project partners. This ensured we struck the right balance between looks and functional robustness.
You can read our case study on the project here.
With the interchange project now a part of the DNA of Stockport town centre, it sets the tone for the rest of the incredible regeneration work going on in the area.
At renaissance, we’re passionate about engineering but also about the places we work in. Stockport has been the home to many great renaissance projects and we’ll continue to deliver our brand of considered engineering in the region now and in the future.
