Rochdale's new transport interchange has been given the green light after funding for the scheme was announced by the government.

The new £11.5 million interchange on Smith Street will create a modern public transport hub for the borough - and is a key element of the regeneration currently taking place in the town centre.

It will improve journeys for passengers by providing a safe, comfortable environment for catching buses, along with a taxi rank and parking spaces for cyclists, a café, electronic passenger information displays and toilets. Located next to the town centre Metrolink stop, it will also make it much easier for people to transfer between services.

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Council leader Councillor Colin Lambert said: "This is fantastic news for Rochdale and it confirms that our plans for transforming the town centre remain on track.

"It's an exciting time for transport in Rochdale with Metrolink due to arrive at the railway station next year. This new interchange will integrate the regenerated town centre with modern joined-up transport infrastructure and I look forward to seeing construction start in April next year."

The project is being delivered in partnership by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), Rochdale Borough Council and Rochdale Development Agency. The government is providing £7 million for the scheme with the remaining funding coming from Rochdale council and TfGM.

The interchange forms part of Rochdale’s wider £250 million town centre regeneration programme, with the current bus station due to be demolished to free the site for the new retail and leisure development.

Work on the interchange is due to start in April next year and it will open in summer 2013.

(CD)