A new entrance from a public park could be added to Radcliffe’s Metrolink stop. Bury Council plans to build an access ramp and flights of steps, which would involve significant work at Festival Gardens.
The new entrance would provide new pedestrian and cyclist access for those arriving at and leaving the east platform of Radcliffe Metrolink stop. The work would include removing 28 trees and vegetation and filling in an embankment close to the current platform to create an access ramp with lighting poles and CCTV equipment.
The existing Metrolink station is bounded by the Spring Lane, Festival Gardens, Church Street West and industrial and residential units to the west of the station’s car park. A planning statement in support of the plans, said: “The proposal is to construct a four metre wide ramp providing a direct access for pedestrians and cyclists to the eastern platform of Radcliffe Metrolink station.
“In addition to the ramp, three flights of steps are proposed to provide a more direct route to the station from Festival Park.” The statement said that existing trees and vegetation within the footprint of the proposed ramp will be removed.
The council added that ‘the proposals incorporate planting arrangements to offset the loss in line with a biodiversity net gain assessment’. They said the location of the ramp had been developed to minimise the impact on trees and planting.
The application site is bordered in red
A series of pre-cast modular retaining walls would be placed to support the embankment and access ramp with a height of 2.3m and a maximum length of 30m. The existing embankment material would be re-used as backfill.
The planning statement, added: “In summary, the proposed development will transform an existing unmanaged, vegetated embankment. “The proposed development will provide an appealing new access point to and from Radcliffe Metrolink stop by cycling and walking, encouraging tram users to use active transport methods.
“The ramp will be fully accessible.” A decision on the planning application is expected in the coming weeks.