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Willmott Dixon has delivered the latest tranche of Bus Depot Electrifications for Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) with the completion of £15.6m electrification works at Hyde Road, in Manchester, and Oldham town centre.
Procured through the SCAPE Construction Framework, the latest programme of works at Hyde Road and Oldham has included the installation of 138 EV chargers and associated infrastructure works to connect the chargers to the network. Additional works have included a new private high-voltage substation together with low-voltage distribution.
Willmott Dixon and TfGM have previously worked together to deliver the transformational £140m Stockport Interchange scheme which turned Stockport’s bus station into a modern transport interchange. The completion of the latest bus electrification projects continues to support Greater Manchester’s aim to have an all zero-emission bus fleet by 2030.
Anthony Dillon, Managing Director for Willmott Dixon in the North, said:
“It’s fantastic to see another two bus electrification projects completed for TfGM, taking the number of projects we’ve delivered across Greater Manchester for TfGM to seven. We’re proud to have played a part in supporting the region’s transition to a cleaner, more sustainable public transport network, creating the infrastructure needed to support the growing fleet of electric buses.
“As an Oldham-based business, we are committed to becoming a net zero carbon company by 2030, without relying on offsetting. TfGM and Greater Manchester’s ambition for a zero-emission fleet closely aligns with our own commitment to decarbonising our operations by 2030. Crucially, that commitment also extends to supporting our customers to achieve their own zero-carbon ambitions.”
Vernon Everitt CBE, Transport Commissioner, said:
“It’s great to see the depot in Oldham join the growing list of bus depots in Greater Manchester to be electrified. This means even more zero emissions buses can join the Bee Network and keep us on track to have a fully electric fleet by the end of the decade. This electrification work is a crucial part of our investment-led approach to improving air quality which is working. By taking old buses off our streets and keeping fares on the Bee Network affordable, we’re improving the experience of getting on board the bus for communities right across the city region.”
Caroline Compton-James, Deputy Chief Executive at SCAPE, said:
“The delivery of seven bus depots across Greater Manchester demonstrates the positive relationship and strong collaboration between SCAPE, Transport for Greater Manchester and Willmott Dixon. Each project marks an important step towards a greener, net zero transport network for the people of Greater Manchester. Through the SCAPE Construction Framework, we have been proud to support the delivery of these projects, helping to accelerate progress, ensure compliance and deliver long-term value for the region.”
Supporting the Bee Network, TfGM’s integrated transport network which aims to provide people across Greater Manchester with a fully electrified travel alternative, Willmott Dixon has delivered seven electrification schemes across Greater Manchester, including two phases in Bolton and at Hyde Road, and single phase projects in Ashton-under-Lyne, Middleton and Oldham, totalling £40m. The series of projects started in 2023 and paved the way for the launch of the Bee Network, Greater Manchester’s fully integrated transport network.