PLANS to create a new Bury Interchange have moved forward after the government confirmed a £1.07bn investment in the region's transport system. 

It has been estimated that the interchange development will cost around £70m to £80m and it will be the first in Greater Manchester to be carbon neutral.

The plans will also see the Metrolink platform refurbished to include more capacity, a new shelter, and an extra southern step free access.

A new vertical circulation core will be provided with lift, escalator and stair provision to integrate the Metrolink stop with the new bus and active travel facilities at ground level.

An integrated travel hub will be installed with potential for cycle and e-bike parking and cycle hire as well as e-scooter, cargo bikes, and parcel lockers.

The redevelopment is part of the £1.07bn City Region Strategic Transport Settlement awarded by the government to level up the region.

Millions from the fund will also go towards new cycling and walking infrastructure as part of regeneration plans for Bury, Radcliffe, Ramsbottom and Prestwich.

In addition, Bury will receive a share of £94.8m given to Greater Manchester by the government as part of its Bus Back Better scheme too.

In response to the funding this week, which was initially announced in November, a council spokesman said: “The proposals for the interchange should attract more patronage on all forms of public transport and active travel, including increased use of buses.

“The council wants to make it easier and cheaper to travel around the borough by bus and will continue to work with Transport for Greater Manchester to explore ways to increase the frequency of buses and number of routes as part of this ambition.

"A new Bury Interchange is a key part of our plans to regenerate the town centre, complementing the £20m Levelling Up bid we won to build a new flexi-hall and associated improvements to Bury Market.”

In response to the government funding, Bury North Conservative MP James Daly added: “Bus networks form the spine of local transport networks – but for decades too many communities have been let down by poor bus infrastructure.

“That is why I am delighted Greater Manchester is receiving £94.8 million of new funding to boost our bus services – transforming our local transport network to deliver cheaper, more reliable and more frequent services for passengers.

“This will mean that passengers across Greater Manchester will get a better deal, with local transport network they can truly rely on.”