Transport Interchanges can be the engines of economic growth

Transport interchanges are the beating heart of a place and much more than simply conduits of movement. Yet, whilst such locations can act as catalysts for large-scale regeneration, delivering them can be exceptionally complex and challenging.

Situated in the heart of towns and cities, transport interchanges can benefit from high levels of footfall and connectivity and really drive the activation of places.

However, many are underutilised, disconnected, unwelcoming and sometimes unsafe. While the reasons vary, it is often the result of complex ownership structures, immovable infrastructure, or long-term investment requirements. It can sometimes just feel ‘too difficult’ to resolve.

Against the backdrop of the largest number of major infrastructure projects green-lit in the first year of a Parliament, it is crucial that our approach to transport interchanges remains innovative and focused on the wider picture. It should go beyond the ‘one dimensional’ and be centred on unleashing their full potential as drivers of social and economic growth.

Delivering place-based solutions in partnership

To achieve this requires a collaborative approach between public and private sector partners right from the outset. It is important that local authorities, transport providers, development partners and the community understand each other’s ambitions and never take a generic approach.

Every place is different, with varying opportunities and challenges. We need the right balance and alignment between transport infrastructure ambitions and placemaking ambitions – all planned in genuine partnership.

At Stockport Interchange, Muse has been working with Stockport MBC to deliver an award-winning business district adjacent to Stockport train station.

With offices, a hotel, leisure spaces, retail and new public squares it has become a hub for some of the biggest brands. It’s the right approach for Stockport and has curated a dynamic economic ecosystem in the town.

At Salford Central, which takes advantage of the investment potential of Salford Central train station, ECF – the placemaking supergroup between Muse, L&G and Homes England – has taken a more balanced approach between residential and commercial space.

It’s now a thriving destination which fits seamlessly into the wider regeneration of Salford and complements the transport interchange.

Collective commitment to the long-term

Making transformative transport infrastructure the bedrock of wider ambitions is how true potential of places is unlocked. For example in St Helens, ECF, in partnership with St Helens Borough Council, is set to deliver a new £32m state-of-the-art transport interchange.

This new infrastructure will transform transport connectivity in St Helens town centre. It will equip St Helens with a well-connected, integrated and accessible public transport system. Crucially, it will serve as a gateway and catalyst for wider ambitions for a revitalised St Helens town centre which form part of a 20-year partnership.

It’s the same story in Stevenage, where ECF is working with the local authority to deliver major improvements to the train station. The public sector commitment to invest in new infrastructure is enabling the Stevenage Gateway regeneration opportunity in the heart of the town centre (pictured).

It will mean new homes, workspaces, public realm and innovation-led partnerships with universities and business.

Enabling Innovation

Within the Midlands, Muse is delivering a new mixed-use community at Arden Cross with Arden Cross Ltd, Birmingham City Council, Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, the University of Warwick and HS2. This is built around the HS2 Interchange connection to central London, linking Old Oak Common and Birmingham’s new Curzon Street Station.

At its heart is the Arden Cross HealthTech Campus, anchored by the University of Warwick, which will drive advancements in healthcare technology, skills development and patient outcomes. ​

Arden Cross presents an opportunity to create an innovation corridor running from London to Birmingham – linking with the HS2-enabled regeneration of Old Oak Common and the emerging innovation-led partnership with Imperial College London. It will transform HS2 from simply a railway line, into an engine of national economic growth.

Whether in the heart of a town, or the heart of the country, transport interchanges everywhere are an opportunity to unleash growth.