A £25 million funding package has been secured for the redevelopment of Bury Interchange, marking a significant step forward for the town centre regeneration project. The funding, drawn from the government’s City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS), was approved by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s (GMCA) Bee Network Committee on June 25th.
Phase One: Footbridge and access improvements
The £25.1 million injection will deliver the first phase of works, which includes the construction of a new pedestrian footbridge and improvements to access and facilities. This phase received planning permission in July last year. Detailed designs and a full business case review have been completed, with a contract expected to be awarded this summer. The new footbridge is designed to maintain access to the trams during the anticipated demolition of the current interchange and the construction of its replacement. The interchange is scheduled to close for redevelopment in either late 2027 or early 2028, subject to approvals.
The changes are aimed at “transforming the passenger experience and bringing the standard of Bury’s transport offer in line with that of the wider city region,” according to a report considered by the committee.
Affordable rental housing at the heart of phase two
The funding will also contribute to developing the blueprint for phase two of the redevelopment, which will include new housing. An agreement has been reached with Bury Council and GMCA colleagues to adopt an “affordable rental” tenure for the residential development, a report confirmed. This tenure means the homes will be let at rents deemed affordable within the local area — typically below market rates — and will be managed by a registered provider. Steps are currently being taken to procure a development partner or registered provider for this element of the scheme. The approach is reportedly inspired by the success of a similar development at Stockport Interchange.
Chris Barnes, infrastructure delivery director at Transport for Greater Manchester, said: “The redevelopment of Bury Interchange is a major step forward in transforming the passenger experience, creating a modern, high-quality transport hub at the heart of the town. The inclusion of new residential apartments will further enhance the scheme, helping to create a thriving, mixed-use destination. We are particularly pleased that this will deliver much-needed affordable rental homes, supporting Bury’s wider regeneration ambitions and making it easier for people to live alongside excellent public transport. We are now progressing plans to procure a partner to help bring this exciting element of the scheme forward.”
Catalyst for wider town centre regeneration
The redevelopment of Bury Interchange is identified as a priority project in the Bury town centre masterplan and local transport strategy, with the scheme recognised as a catalyst for wider town centre regeneration. The overall project is an £81 million scheme, with £45 million from the initial CRSTS tranche and £36 million from future CRSTS funding post-2027. It is set to become Greater Manchester’s first operationally carbon-neutral transport interchange. The plans aim to deliver a modern, integrated transport hub that connects bus, tram, and active travel as part of the Bee Network, with significantly improved passenger facilities including capacity for bus, cycle and active travel parking, Metrolink, and vertical circulation upgrades.
Bury Interchange first opened in 1980, replacing bus termini scattered around the town centre. The original heavy rail line ran to Bury Bolton Street station, which closed on the same day the interchange opened. The line was later converted to Metrolink operation, reopening in 1992. According to planning reports, parts of the current facility have “reached and surpassed their intended lifespan.”
The CRSTS programme awarded Greater Manchester £1.07 billion to help deliver the Bee Network, and Bury Interchange is a specified project within this programme. Other regeneration initiatives in the town include the regeneration of Bury Market and the Northern Gateway/Atom Valley project. A public consultation for the redeveloped interchange is expected in 2026. The contract for phase one is due to be awarded this summer, following the completion of detailed designs and a full business case review.
