Wythenshawe Transport Interchange, Manchester Building, England, Images, Architect

Wythenshawe Transport Interchange

Bus and Metrolink Tram Service Station in Greater Manchester design by AHR Architects

17 Dec 2015

Design: AHR Architects

Location: Wythenshawe, Greater Manchester, UK

Wythenshawe Transport Interchange Building in Greater Manchester

AHR has completed a £6 million transport interchange in Wythenshawe, Greater Manchester commissioned by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) as part of a wider regeneration of the area.

Wythenshawe Transport Interchange in Greater Manchester

Located adjacent to The Wythenshawe Forum and the town centre Metrolink Stop, the new interchange creates a modern, fully integrated service for the public in the heart of Wythenshawe. Passengers can now easily and efficiently interchange between buses and the Metrolink tram service, and access local amenities such as the shopping facilities at Etrop Court.

Alistair Branch, Associate Director at AHR said:

“The new interchange facility will improve overall access to jobs, schools, healthcare and shopping facilities which we hope will in turn help strengthen Wythenshawe’s local economy and attract investment to the area. The new interchange not only makes this town centre location more attractive, but improves the safety and efficiency of the public transport system and strengthens its physical link with the economic centre of Wythenshawe.”

The interchange comprises of an island concourse with wrap around access. Six saw-tooth stands and five lay-over bays within a horseshoe configuration provide accommodation for up to 15m standard fixed axle buses and 18m bendy-buses, with a total capacity for 84 bus movements per hour.

The main concourse includes management and supervisor’s office along with other supporting facilities. A Travel Shop providing customer services is located to the south east of the site immediately adjacent to the proposed Metrolink Stop.

A key feature of the design is the sweeping curved roof structure that runs north to south. The roof peaks at the north and south-east points to define the passenger entrances and draw people into the building and dips to a low point in the centre of the building to highlight the concourse facilities. The sweeping form ensures the interchange is easy to navigate and by minimising roof overhangs AHR were able to maximize the natural light which aids clear and safe pedestrian and vehicular circulation around the site.

To the south-east of the main building, the Travel Shop has a similar sweeping, curved roof creating cohesion between the two buildings, but this roof is set lower helping to visually prioritise the main concourse building. An overhang creates a covered walkway which provides definition to the pedestrian route to the concourse.

The concourse amenities are clad in stone providing a strong visual presence for passengers and the Travel Shop has a similar material identity. Materials were chosen specifically to provide a durable and anti-vandal finish to both internal and external surfaces. AHR also incorporated 72 solar panels to the interchange’s roof, to supply 10% of the building’s energy.

Chair of the TfGM committee, Councillor Andrew Fender, said the new interchange was a ‘hugely significant’ landmark for the town. He continued:

“The interchange will provide better links between buses and trams, improving access to jobs across the area, at the airport and in the city centre for the people of Wythenshawe. Passengers can now experience the improved facilities for themselves and enjoy the benefits of a fully integrated, accessible and eco-friendly transport hub.”

AHR has extensive experience in the transport sector, having previously work on the Euston Station masterplan, Heathrow T2 Car Park, Dubai Metro and Emirates Air Line, as well as designing numerous bus/coach facilities across the UK including new developments at Leicester Haymarket and Portsmouth.

Working in partnership with TfGM for over 15 years, AHR has also successfully delivered Altrincham and Rochdale interchanges and is currently working on Stockport and Bolton Interchanges.

Wythenshawe Transport Interchange in Greater Manchester images / information from AHR Architects

AHR Architects

Location: Wythenshawe, Manchester, Northwest England, United Kingdom