A team of designers and stakeholders led by AHR has completed a £19 million multi-model interchange in Altrincham commissioned by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM). AHR has worked to redesign the station in order for TfGM to better integrate the various modes of transport – bus, taxi, rail, tram and cycling.

Altrincham interchange serves as an integral link to Greater Manchester and the north west, connecting central Manchester and the airport as well as notable fringe towns such as Chester and Warrington. Four million passenger journeys pass through the interchange every year; therefore TfGM were hoping to further improve the service of the transport hub.

The design of the building carefully incorporates a traditional Victorian booking hall. This significant historic structure has been completely refurbished and remains an important part of the fabric of the Altrincham interchange. The concourse runs the full length of the west side of the interchange, creating a gateway between the interchange and the town. The structure is fully glazed, a feature that ‘showcases’ the Victorian heritage of the building. The roof incorporates a large ETFE rooflight to allow natural light into the space and for the interchange’s heritage elements to be illuminated. Thermal gain on the bus concourse is controlled by the top 500mm area of the facades that contains a ribbon of fixed louvres and a series of opening lights that will enable it to be ventilated in summer and retain heat in winter.

The scheme also includes the replacement of a 134 year-old rail bridge that connects all four rail platforms. The new 45t pre-fabricated steel bridge improves accessibility and circulation between bus, train and tram services.

The steel bridge was lifted into place in a single evening minimising disruptions to the travelling public.

CCTV coverage throughout the site has also been improved and a new high-quality cycle hub with expanded cycle storage, swipe-card entry and 24hour CCTV cover has been designed and installed.

Alistair Branch, Associate Director at AHR, said: “The design concept responded to the traditional character of the interchange, ensuring the Victorian booking hall was brought back to its former glory. The interchange is a great link to key parts of the north-west and will help with the wider regeneration of the town”

Transport for Greater Manchester’s Head of Programme Management Services, Peter Boulton, said: “The redevelopment of the 133-year-old transport interchange has provided passengers with improved facilities and greater integration of transport modes.”

“Bus, train and tram passengers can now enjoy the benefits of a fully integrated, fully accessible and eco-friendly transport hub that is sympathetic to the heritage of the original facility.”