Creating sustainable urban green space at Stockport Interchange 

At Genuit Group, we create solutions that help make places more sustainable, resilient and enjoyable to live in. As towns and cities grow and change, managing water effectively, expanding green space and adapting to a changing climate are becoming increasingly important. 

Stockport Interchange shows how these challenges can be tackled together. The project has transformed a major transport hub into a destination that combines public transport, walking and cycling routes, and a vibrant two-acre park for the community to enjoy. 

Delivering a Landmark Green Space at Stockport Interchange 

Completed in Spring 2024 as part of a £90 million regeneration programme, Stockport Interchange is one of the largest infrastructure projects delivered outside London. At the heart of the development is Viaduct Park, a two-acre green space built above the town’s new bus station, alongside new pedestrian and cycling routes. 

Creating a thriving park at roof level presented a unique challenge. The space needed to support healthy planting while managing rainfall effectively and reducing the need for irrigation. 

To help achieve this, Polypipe Civils & Green Urbanisation supplied an integrated blue roof solution using Permavoid systems, capillary cones and wicking geotextiles. Together, these components capture and store rainwater beneath the landscape before gradually returning it to plants when needed.  

Different elements of the system were selected to meet the varying demands of the site. Alongside supporting healthy plant growth, the solution also provides the strength required in areas where maintenance access and additional loading are needed. 

The project shows how water management and green infrastructure can work together to make better use of limited urban space. By turning the roof of a transport hub into a thriving green environment, Stockport Interchange has created valuable space for people while supporting sustainable urban development. 

Sustainability was built into the solution from the start. The Permavoid range is manufactured from 100% recycled material and supported by Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), providing clear information about environmental impacts throughout the product lifecycle. 

Supporting More Resilient Urban Development 

Stockport Interchange demonstrates how innovative water management solutions can help unlock new opportunities for green infrastructure in dense urban environments. By combining water storage, passive irrigation and recycled-content products, the project has created a valuable community green space while supporting resilient urban development.  

For Genuit Group, projects such as Stockport Interchange highlight the important role that sustainable water management can play in shaping the future of urban development. As demand for greener, more climate-resilient places continue to grow, innovative solutions that support biodiversity, improve water stewardship and make better use of available space will remain central to creating sustainable communities.