Your days are numbered, work has begun at the temporary site on Heaton Lane.
You are to be demolished, no more in, no more out.
I have tracked your history and slow decline.
You are to become a transport interchange.
So here’s a record of your lost chippy, closed lavatories, control centre, relocated information office, slowly ticking clock, soon to tick no longer.
Say hello and wave goodbye to RS McColl’s kiosk.
So so long my draughty, cold, deserted old pal.
We have already said goodbye to all the previous incarnations.
And eagerly awaited the rebirth.
This time as an interchange, where bus, tram and train converge – the most modern of modern ideas.
The brand-new Ashton-under-Lyne Interchange is now open, providing passengers with much-improved facilities and a modern, accessible gateway to the town.Â
The Interchange supports the economic growth of the town and helps people to get to and from their places of work as well as Ashton’s great shops, markets, restaurants and bars in a modern, safe and welcoming environment.
The Interchange has been developed by Transport for Greater Manchester in partnership with Tameside Council and funded with support from central government’s Local Growth Deal programme.
The building contractor was VINCI Construction UK.Â
Architects were Austin Smith Lord
I managed to get there, just before I wasn’t supposed to get there.
So goodbye to all this:
No more exposed pedestrian crossings, draughty shelters orange Ms, and analogue information boards.
It’s an integrated, enclosed, digitally connected, well-lit, secure unit.
I found it to be light, bright and well-used; a fine mix of glass, steel, brick, concrete and timber.
Spacious, commodious and clearly signed.
Linked to the shopping precinct.
It’s almost finished – I hope that everyone is happy?
They even found Lottery Heritage monies to fund public art.
The work of Michael Condron and a host of local collaborators.
Modern Mooch 