Plans for the Bee Network’s first purpose-built electric bus depot have been revealed.
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is proposing to build the new fully electric facility in Stockport ahead of the current depot being demolished to make way to support the wider regeneration of the town centre.
The former Lex Autolease site on Heathside Park Road has now been identified as the location for the new electric vehicle (EV) depot, which will support Greater Manchester’s growing fleet of zero-emission buses.
It comes after the latest orders of new electric Bee Network buses were confirmed last month, putting Greater Manchester on track to have a fully electric bus fleet by 2030.
Half of Greater Manchester’s depots have been electrified so far, with Ashton and Middleton now fully electric while Bolton, Oldham and Hyde Road have also been upgraded.
The new depot in Stockport would be able to accommodate around 200 electric buses and charging points as well as a workshop area where buses can be maintained and serviced, offering much more space and flexibility than the current site at Daw Bank.
As well as helping to reduce emissions and improve air quality, the new electric depot will mean cleaner, quieter and more reliable bus services for Bee Network passengers.
Chris Barnes, Infrastructure Delivery Director at TfGM, said: “Modernising the Bee Network means better services for passengers and cleaner air for everyone in Greater Manchester. That’s why we’ve been investing in our depots, upgrading them to accommodate our growing fleet of electric buses.
“This site in Stockport offers us the perfect opportunity to build the first electric bus depot of its kind in Greater Manchester – one that is purpose-built and fit for the future. And it also means the regeneration of the town centre can continue.
“We look forward to speaking with local residents about the proposals as we prepare to submit our plans for the depot to Stockport Council later this year.”
Cllr Mark Roberts, Leader of Stockport Council, said: "These proposals represent another important step in two major ambitions we share across Stockport: creating a modern, fully electric public transport network and continuing the transformation of Stockport town centre.
"The move to a purpose-built electric bus depot is intended to support the Bee Network's journey towards a zero-emission fleet and sits alongside our wider regeneration ambitions, including Stockport 8, which will deliver new homes, public spaces and opportunities for future generations in the heart of our borough.
"We know local residents will want to understand more about the proposals from TfGM and I would encourage people to take part in their drop-in session to learn more.
"As the local planning authority, any future planning application will be considered through the appropriate process and on its planning merits."
The majority of the existing bus depot at Daw Bank is due to be demolished in early 2027 to make way for more than 400 new homes planned for the site as part of the council-led Stockport 8 development, which aims to build 1,300 homes near the arches of the town's Viaduct.
Subject to planning approval, construction on the Heathside Park Road site is expected to start in 2027 with the new electric depot expected to be up and running by late 2029.
While the new bus depot is being built, temporary bus depots will be built at Heaton Lane (on the site of the former car park) and Wood Street (on the former Lundy site) with construction due to start this summer and work set to be completed by the winter.
Unlike these temporary facilities, the permanent depot at Heathside Park Road will be fully electric with space for more buses, a workshop area for maintenance, servicing and MOT testing, offices and storage, and capacity for future expansion – all on one site.
TfGM intends to submit a planning application for the new EV bus depot this summer.
Source: Transport for Greater Manchester