sustainable construction at stockport interchange

The award-winning Stockport Interchange is a state-of-the-art transport hub connecting Stockport to Manchester and beyond, facilitating over 350,000 bus departures each year.

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The transformative regeneration project is a shining example of sustainable construction in action, showcasing how embodied carbon can be significantly reduced through collaboration across the supply chain, innovative low-carbon concrete specification, and service reliability.

The positive (inter)change

Beginning in late 2022 and led by Transport for Greater Manchester, the project was a direct response to the need for greater public transport access, pedestrian connectivity, and housing in the area. The concrete supplied by Holcim UK was used by civil engineers, Mayo Civils, and structural engineer, Renaissance Associates, to fulfil the demands of the principal contractor, Willmott Dixon.

The creation of the transport hub, 196 residential units and pedestrian and cycling routes was completed in Spring 2024. Valued at £140 million, Stockport Interchange is part of a wider £1 billion regeneration scheme to support the evolving urban landscape of Greater Manchester.

A partnership built on solid foundations

With sustainability at the forefront of the project, it was essential that the materials provided reflected the ambition to limit carbon emissions. Alongside this, collaboration between the construction supply chain was seen as being key to the successful design and delivery of the scheme. For these reasons, and as a leading provider of sustainable building solutions, Holcim UK’s expertise and credentials were called into action. Its proven track-record with regard to technical innovation, low-carbon solutions and service reliability gave assurance to project partners that it could help meet the challenges when designing the transport hub.

Holcim Concrete has a long-standing exclusive partnership with Mayo Civils across all its Greater Manchester projects. This pre-existing relationship allowed for a cohesive working dynamic which enhanced execution.

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Above and beyond with performance and sustainability 

Environmentally conscious building methods were central to the success of the project, aligning with Holcim’s overarching ambition to make sustainable construction a reality. As the sole supplier for all above ground concrete elements, the interchange showcases the utilisation of Holcim’s innovative, low-carbon and high-performance building products.

The interchange comprises columns, slabs and foundations made from Holcim’s ECOPact low-carbon concrete. Meanwhile, the structural waterproofing elements used included Holcim’s Waterproof Concrete solution mixes, to provide unmatched protection from within the concrete structure. Finally, to ensure the durability of the external areas, a granite-aggregate concrete was specified to provide extra durability and strength, creating a hard-wearing surface.

Built to last, designed to decarbonise 

With the construction industry being responsible for approximately 38% of global carbon emissions, it is critical for infrastructure projects to maximise decarbonisation efforts. It is here where Stockport Interchange shows just what can be achieved with innovative materials, considered specification, and a commitment to cutting carbon through certified products and strategic planning.

Between 30% and 50% reduction in embodied carbon was achieved at Stockport Interchange thanks to the use of low-carbon readymix concrete mixes, instead of traditional alternatives. This included the use of readymix concrete containing Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS) which help to reduce material carbon footprint. The materials used were locally sourced, with the majority of supply coming from Holcim’s Readymix Concrete plant in Manchester located at Sharston Industrial Estate. With the plant being just five miles away from the site, this helped minimise Scope 3 emissions associated with logistics and materials delivery.

Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) were also supplied to support Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) certification, a leading sustainability assessment method for infrastructure.

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Facilitating a smoother project journey 

After agreeing the concrete materials to be supplied, Holcim ensured the implementation of the scheme went smoothly, coordinating with site teams to ensure materials were delivered at the agreed time of early in the morning to avoid delays.

Holcim UK’s delivery team utilised digital tools to enhance the coordination of the project. Deploying the Holcim+Concrete app for real-time tracking of materials enabled Mayo Civils to monitor truck movements and discharge times, along with improving site safety. This supported efficient scheduling and compliance with Stockport Council’s time restrictions around site access as well. 

A concrete masterpiece in delivery and sustainability 

Through the use of locally sourced, innovative low-carbon building solutions, the utilisation of digital technology to enhance efficiency and the strong coordination of stakeholders, Stockport Interchange is a model for sustainable urban infrastructure.

Gary Mayo, Founder and Managing Director of Mayo Civils, said: “Stockport Interchange continues to be a great success, both in its deliverance and the social impact it has had on the area.

“Working together with Willmott Dixon, Renaissance Associates and Holcim UK, we were able to achieve our ambition of prioritising sustainability, safety and efficiency. I think the project showcases how major infrastructure schemes should be approached going forward to accelerate and enhance UK infrastructure.”

The concrete masterpiece showcases the capability of Holcim UK in the delivery of complex, low-carbon solutions on a large scale.

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Nick Allen, Senior Project Manager at Mayo Civils, said: “We were delighted to once again partner with Holcim UK. Our established working relationship meant that we were able to collaborate and communicate effectively, ensuring that the development was delivered efficiently and in a timely fashion.

“The Holcim+Concrete app also enhanced our work, allowing the team to constantly track progress enabling for the right planning and preparation. The multi-award winning interchange is proof of talented partners coming together to create a concrete masterpiece which has enhanced the landscape of Greater Manchester, providing transport and pedestrian links, and homes for members of the local community.”

Stockport Interchange also sets a precedent for the future of infrastructure developments across the UK. It has been named the Building of the Year at the Construction Society Awards 2025. The awards celebrate excellence in design, construction, and innovation.

Danny Roberts, Commercial Manager at Holcim UK, said: “We are extremely proud of our contribution to Stockport Interchange, it’s a perfect example of how innovative sustainable solutions can make real, long-lasting change.

“It’s an honour for the project to win a National Concrete Society Award and is testament to the hard work put in by our team. We’d also like to thank the amazing partners we had the privilege of working with on this project that has led to this recognition.

“Holcim will continue to carry out our mission of making sustainability a ‘concrete’ part of future infrastructure, while decarbonising our operations in line with our global sustainability goals.”