Delayed Electric Bus Depot for Stockport Off M60, 2026

Key Points

• A new fully electric bus depot is proposed for Stockport, just off the M60, described as the “first of its kind” in Greater Manchester
• The depot is part of a major overhaul of bus services across Greater Manchester’s Bee Network
• Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) continues working with Stockport Council to source the suitable location
• The new depot is expected to be operational no sooner than late 2028, delayed from original Q3 2025 target
• “Challenges to site availability” pushed the timeline back by at least three years according to GMCA Joint Clean Air Scrutiny Committee report
• The proposal supports TfGM’s bid to make the entire Greater Manchester bus fleet electric by 2030
• 125 new electric buses from Wrightbus have been recently ordered, following previous orders of 76 and 55 vehicles
• Vernon Everitt, Transport Commissioner for Greater Manchester, stated the orders put Bee Network on track for fully electric fleet by 2030
• The depot will serve all-electric fleet aspired to, while current Stockport depot buses remain diesel-powered
• Temporary bus depots at Heaton Lane (83 buses) and Lundy site (65 buses) proposed while permanent site search continues
• The development supports Stockport 8 regeneration scheme delivering up to 1,328 homes
• £2 single and £5 day ticket caps remain in place through remainder of 2026

 Stockport (Manchester Mirror) June 12, 2026 – A major Stockport site just off the M60 will become the first fully electric bus depot of its kind in Greater Manchester as part of a comprehensive overhaul of bus services across the region. The proposed facility represents a critical infrastructure investment supporting Transport for Greater Manchester’s ambition to transition its entire bus fleet to zero emissions by 2030.

How Has the Timeline for the Stockport Electric Bus Depot Changed?

As reported by Alasdair Perry of Stockport Nub News, the project has faced significant delays. Most recently it had been envisaged that the depot work in Stockport would be complete by Q3 2025. However, a report to go before the GMCA Joint Clean Air Scrutiny Committee on 26 September notes that “challenges to site availability” have pushed that back by at least a further three years.

In an indication of the scope of difficulty in finding a suitable location for large-scale battery-electric bus operation in Stockport, the report says that TfGM continues to work with Stockport Council to source one and that the new depot is expected to be operational no sooner than late 2028.

What Electric Bus Orders Support the Bee Network Transition?

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has placed an order for 125 electric buses from Wrightbus, based in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, as part of their bid to make their fleet entirely electric by 2030. The latest batch follows on from two previous orders of 76 and 55 similar vehicles, and means TfGM is on track to have fully electric buses by the end of the decade.

Vernon Everitt, Transport Commissioner for Greater Manchester, said: “It is brilliant to see these new yellow electric buses come off the production line and onto the streets of Greater Manchester. There will be many more to come. Placing these orders for another 125 zero emission vehicles from Wrightbus puts the Bee Network on track to meet our target to have a fully electric fleet by 2030, bringing huge benefits for our passengers, air quality and fast-growing economy”.

Wrightbus Managing Director Christian Reynolds added: “This latest order for our battery-electric buses from TfGM builds on our existing fleet of vehicles in operation and reflects a strong commitment to UK manufacturing and the domestic supply chain. It demonstrates the competitiveness of both our product and our integrated supply ecosystem against international alternatives”.

Why Are Temporary Bus Depots Needed While the Permanent Site Is Sourced?

As reported by Neil Tague of Place North West, the temporary bus depot relocations stem from the clearance and redevelopment of the current Daw Bank depot being a central part of Stockport 8 phase one, which will bring 435 homes in three buildings. The Lundy site sits within phase two of Stockport 8, but is also required in the short term, as along with the former Heaton Lane car park it is one of two sites proposed for a temporary bus depot.

As well as a two-storey office block, 83 buses are to be based from Heaton Lane, which will use existing access points. The Lundy site would house 65 buses on hardstanding, also with offices. Both locations would have refuelling and bus-wash facilities. For now, all buses at the Stockport depot are diesel-powered, as this is a temporary solution until a site can be found to serve the all-electric fleet aspired to.

What Is the Bee Network’s Electric Transition Strategy?

The strategic overhaul of Greater Manchester’s transport infrastructure includes additional night buses for all boroughs, designed to synchronize the region’s transport infrastructure with its rapid economic trajectory. This strategic overhaul, including additional night buses for all boroughs, will synchronize Greater Manchester’s transport infrastructure.

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham has unveiled a landmark expansion of the Bee Network, marking the most significant suite of upgrades since the region successfully brought its bus services back under local control. Backed by a massive £2 billion GM Good Growth Fund, these improvements are scheduled for the 2026/27 financial year.

Price caps remain in place with the £2 single and £5 day ticket caps will remain in place through the remainder of 2026. The upgrades will benefit 740,000 residents, specifically targeting those in deprived areas with lower car ownership to improve access to prosperity.

How Does Stockport 8 Development Connect to the Bus Depot Proposal?

Stockport 8, the development of eight acres by Stockport Council in partnership with ECF – made up of Muse, L&G and Homes England – was given a “resolution to approve” verdict in August 2025. The development of up to 1,328 homes and up to 17,000 sq ft of commercial and community floorspace represents the single largest residential regeneration scheme to come forward to date in the Town Centre West MDC area.

The temporary bus depot relocations are the second item on next week’s planning agenda, and between now and then will be discussed at Stockport’s cabinet meeting next week, which will be asked to sign off a funding deal with GMCA for the project.

What Previous Electric Bus Investments Have Been Made in Stockport?

Stagecoach announced plans on April 6 to invest £37.2 million in a new fleet of 170 electric buses for Stockport, the company’s largest ever electric bus order. The order, for 150 double deck and 20 single deck vehicles, represents 170 fully electric Volvo BZL vehicles to be introduced in Stockport by the summer of 2024. The first vehicles are scheduled to be delivered in summer 2024.

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and bus operator Stagecoach have confirmed that an order has been placed for 170 new electric buses to serve routes in and around Stockport from 2024.

What Background Led to This Electric Bus Depot Development?

The development of Greater Manchester’s fully electric bus infrastructure stems from the region’s successful franchising of bus services under the Bee Network, which brought bus services back under local control. The GMCA Joint Clean Air Scrutiny Committee report reveals that finding suitable sites for large-scale battery-electric bus operation presents significant challenges. The original timeline targeted Q3 2025 for completion, but site availability issues forced a three-year delay.

The transition aligns with Vernon Everitt’s stated target for a fully electric fleet by 2030, supported by multiple Wrightbus orders totaling 252 electric buses (125 + 76 + 55). The £37.2 million Stagecoach investment for 170 electric buses predates this announcement, demonstrating sustained commitment to electrification. The temporary depot solution at Heaton Lane and Lundy site emerges from the Stockport 8 regeneration project, which requires demolishing the current Daw Bank depot to deliver 435 homes in phase one.

The Bee Network’s expansion includes a £2 billion GM Good Growth Fund backing 36 service changes for 2026/27, with 24-hour connectivity for all 10 boroughs supporting 625,000 shift workers. The £2 single fare cap and £5 day ticket remain through 2026, benefiting 740,000 residents in deprived areas with lower car ownership.

How Will This Development Affect Stockport Residents and Greater Manchester Bus Passengers?

The delayed electric bus depot will significantly impact Stockport residents and Greater Manchester bus passengers through extended reliance on diesel-powered buses until late 2028. Passengers currently using the Stockport depot will continue experiencing diesel emissions for three additional years beyond the original timeline, affecting local air quality in the town centre and surrounding areas.

The temporary depot arrangement at Heaton Lane (83 buses) and Lundy site (65 buses) means 148 diesel buses will operate from these locations while the permanent electric facility remains unavailable. This extends diesel dependence for routes serving Stockport, Hazel Grove, Hazel Grove, Brinnington, and Woodford, potentially delaying the air quality improvements residents expect from electrification.

However, the 125 new electric buses from Wrightbus ordered for the Bee Network will still enter service across Greater Manchester, benefiting passengers on other routes. The £2 single fare cap preservation through 2026 provides cost certainty for 740,000 residents, particularly those in deprived areas with lower car ownership who depend most on bus services.

The Stockport 8 development delivering 1,328 homes will increase population density, creating greater demand for reliable bus services. The temporary depots ensure service continuity during construction, preventing disruption to 625,000 shift workers relying on the new 24-hour night bus routes. Passengers connecting to Manchester Airport, MediaCity, and the Trafford Centre will maintain current service levels despite the depot delay.

The three-year delay may affect public confidence in the Bee Network’s electrification commitments, though the 252 total electric bus orders demonstrate sustained investment. Residents anticipating cleaner air and reduced noise from electric buses will experience delayed benefits, potentially impacting support for the franchising model that brought services under local control.