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Archive => Archived Boards => Local Issues => Topic started by: amazon on February 03, 2012, 05:58:09 PM

Title: Marple Station
Post by: amazon on February 03, 2012, 05:58:09 PM
Looks like the planed work at marple station is about to start contractors huts being installed near the entrance to the station
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: Dave on February 03, 2012, 07:19:57 PM
Is this the disabled access over the footbridge at last? Or is there more to it?
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: rsh on February 04, 2012, 04:37:56 PM
From the planning application (DC/047839):

"Replacement footbridge and alterations at Marple Railway Station including extension to ticket building to provide toilet facilities."

No documents or plans anywhere for how it'll look. But isn't the old footbridge going to Peak Rail?
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: Dave on February 04, 2012, 05:00:52 PM
There are, of course, toilets already, on the platform as you emerge from the ticket office.  As far as I can recall they have always been locked and out of use.   Does anyone know the background to this - what's wrong with them and why they can't be used?   ???
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: amazon on February 04, 2012, 08:25:52 PM
From the planning application (DC/047839):

"Replacement footbridge and alterations at Marple Railway Station including extension to ticket building to provide toilet facilities."

No documents or plans anywhere for how it'll look. But isn't the old footbridge going to Peak Rail?


Was reported to be a few years ago .
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: admin on February 17, 2012, 06:56:53 AM
Here are some photos taken by Arthur Procter on 14 February of the work now underway to improve Marple Station:

http://visitmarple.co.uk/photos/thumbnails.php?album=lastup&cat=-23

(http://visitmarple.co.uk/photos/albums/uploads/new/station/Station14212_009.JPG)

(http://visitmarple.co.uk/photos/albums/uploads/new/station/Station14212_007.JPG)

(http://visitmarple.co.uk/photos/albums/uploads/new/station/New_toilets14212_007.JPG)

What a shame the marvelous stairs can't be refurbished and kept!
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: Duke Fame on February 17, 2012, 11:53:37 AM
Seems an awful waste of money. The ticket office must surely be replaced by machines and increase the car park capacity with a multi-story would be a better way of spending the cash IMHO.
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: amazon on February 17, 2012, 02:36:58 PM
Here are some photos taken by Arthur Procter on 14 February of the work now underway to improve Marple Station:

http://visitmarple.co.uk/photos/thumbnails.php?album=lastup&cat=-23

(http://visitmarple.co.uk/photos/albums/uploads/new/station/Station14212_009.JPG)

(http://visitmarple.co.uk/photos/albums/uploads/new/station/Station14212_007.JPG)

(http://visitmarple.co.uk/photos/albums/uploads/new/station/New_toilets14212_007.JPG)

What a shame the marvelous stairs can't be refurbished and kept!


Think they are going to peak rail society .keep use upto date with photos Arthur .
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: amazon on February 17, 2012, 02:58:59 PM
Seems an awful waste of money. The ticket office must surely be replaced by machines and increase the car park capacity with a multi-story would be a better way of spending the cash IMHO.

If you read postings on this it is being replaced by machines .and it's not a waste of money how do disabled
Cross to the other side .the new bridge will sort that ..you must read before you post .
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: amazon on February 17, 2012, 03:09:01 PM
Seems an awful waste of money. The ticket office must surely be replaced by machines and increase the car park capacity with a multi-story would be a better way of spending the cash IMHO.
.

It's a conservation area multi storey no chance .
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: hollins on February 17, 2012, 04:11:21 PM
Personally, I would have preferred the money to be spent on trains rather than the station.

I'm also concerned that previously a large amount of money has been spent on toilets (which have never been open) and information screens (which are quite often disconnected, out of action, pointing straight at the sun or just plain wrong).

I can see that disabled people may benefit from the lifts to platform 1, but in the past they have always been allowed (on trains turning round at Marple) to get on the train on platform 2 before it switches lines.

I wonder what will happen to the old footbridge - will it be cut up or can we have another crossing of the Goyt or the railway somewhere?
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: amazon on February 17, 2012, 04:35:36 PM
Personally, I would have preferred the money to be spent on trains rather than the station.

I'm also concerned that previously a large amount of money has been spent on toilets (which have never been open) and information screens (which are quite often disconnected, out of action, pointing straight at the sun or just plain wrong).

I can see that disabled people may benefit from the lifts to platform 1, but in the past they have always been allowed (on trains turning round at Marple) to get on the train on platform 2 before it switches lines.

I wonder what will happen to the old footbridge - will it be cut up or can we have another crossing of the Goyt or the railway somewhere?
       As my post before this its going to peak rail .
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: Water Rat on February 17, 2012, 04:52:03 PM
It is a shame that another bit of our railway heritage is moving from the immediate area.  The station used to be fabulous to explore in the 60's.
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: alison on February 17, 2012, 09:49:33 PM
are there any plans online anywhere for this? It may be that the footbridge isn't going to be totally trashed - at Davenport they kept the sides but replaced all the steps, it looks nice now and I feel like I am far less likely to go flying down the slippery treads (something I have done more than once at Marple - once managed to do half the length of the steps from the road which was equally painful and embarrasing!). Of course if they are incorporating the lift with the footbridge this may not be possible, but it will surely make life so much easier for those who struggle with the bridge for whatever reason.
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: Barbara on February 17, 2012, 11:04:13 PM
No Alison, it is a new bridge going in with (I understand) lifts at each end.  The existing bridge is not in very good condition when you look at it carefully. 
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: Duke Fame on February 18, 2012, 04:09:39 PM
Seems an awful waste of money. The ticket office must surely be replaced by machines and increase the car park capacity with a multi-story would be a better way of spending the cash IMHO.
.

It's a conservation area multi storey no chance .

No sure that a multi-storey car park isn't congruent with a conservation area. The station  is not something of great conservation importance AFAIK. A multi-storey over the existing car park  & lines will give more parking without having to eat up the land next to the Indian restaurant. It's also in a dip so the intrusion is minimal and sited accross the lines gives disabled access to both lines. The cost could be met by closing Rose hill and selling it for houses.

Just a thought
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: Dave on February 18, 2012, 06:22:03 PM
The Town Street area of Marple Bridge is the conservation area - I don't think it extends up Brabyns Brow. And surely it can't include the station, which boasts Marple's ugliest building!
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: amazon on February 18, 2012, 07:15:16 PM
No Alison, it is a new bridge going in with (I understand) lifts at each end.  The existing bridge is not in very good condition when you look at it carefully. 

Have emailed peak rail to see if it is still going there .
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: Mr Marple on February 19, 2012, 01:15:26 PM
It's a huge shame that we'll lose the last piece of history and with no chance of keeping it. Considering the speed of technology today isn't it possible to keep our beloved footbridge and develop disabled access without the need to move or change much?

I reckon, once again, it is all down to money....damn economy.

As for the multi-level parking, it won't be a pretty sight but an eyesore depending on your p.o.v. and the design options or are we not allowed to choose.
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: finetimefontaine on February 19, 2012, 01:25:13 PM
 I agree, it is a real shame that we have to lose the old bridge.

Apparently the whole project is a DfTransport funded initiative called A4A, it's for Disability Discrimination Act compliance. A new bridge with 2 lifts and an accesible toilet.

The old bridge is being lifted out and it is being given to Peak rail for Rowsley.

Total cost £1.2M. 
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: amazon on February 19, 2012, 02:08:33 PM
The Town Street area of Marple Bridge is the conservation area - I don't think it extends up Brabyns Brow. And surely it can't include the station, which boasts Marple's ugliest building!


Had a feeling you would correct me .
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: amazon on February 19, 2012, 02:13:30 PM
I agree, it is a real shame that we have to lose the old bridge.

Apparently the whole project is a DfTransport funded initiative called A4A, it's for Disability Discrimination Act compliance. A new bridge with 2 lifts and an accesible toilet.

The old bridge is being lifted out and it is being given to Peak rail for Rowsley.

Total cost £1.2M. 
. How will they do this old bridge out new one in straight away .if so could be a weekend job or put the new one farther down the platform .any body any info when being  done        please post would like to go take some photos
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: Barbara on February 19, 2012, 02:19:30 PM
One of the workmen told me that completion date is 16th May.  He added that I can go down that day and tell him off because they hadn't finished in time!!  We shall have to wait and see.
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: finetimefontaine on February 19, 2012, 03:21:06 PM
I think that the plan is to have the new bridge in before they take the old one out.
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: thebigshed on February 19, 2012, 03:23:15 PM
D'oh
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: amazon on February 19, 2012, 03:47:39 PM
One of the workmen told me that completion date is 16th May.  He added that I can go down that day and tell him off because they hadn't finished in time!!  We shall have to wait and see.

 thats pushing it a bit is that finishing everything .booking office as well /. 
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: Miss Marple on February 19, 2012, 04:55:23 PM
Why can't the steps be refurbished ? Who made the decision they can not and made  the decision to move it/scrap it ?
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: admin on February 19, 2012, 05:39:35 PM
Two very ill mannered posts have been removed from this thread. Sort yourselves out Amazon and Miss Marple.
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: amazon on February 19, 2012, 05:48:02 PM
Two very ill mannered posts have been removed from this thread. Sort yourselves out Amazon and Miss Marple.

Sorry admin .will behave .
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: Duke Fame on February 19, 2012, 06:51:57 PM
Why can't the steps be refurbished ? Who made the decision they can not and made  the decision to move it/scrap it ?

Because we'd still need to install lifts to provide access to all. I like to save money with the best of them but even I can see that a  lift can't be added without a new bridge, I just think we may as well go the whole hog and increase capacity of the car-park at the same time.
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: amazon on February 19, 2012, 07:36:47 PM
Why can't the steps be refurbished ? Who made the decision they can not and made  the decision to move it/scrap it ?

Because we'd still need to install lifts to provide access to all. I like to save money with the best of them but even I can see that a  lift can't be added without a new bridge, I just think we may as well go the whole hog and increase capacity of the car-park at the same time.
how do you do that duke ,
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: Howard on February 19, 2012, 08:49:52 PM
Why can't the steps be refurbished ? Who made the decision they can not and made  the decision to move it/scrap it ?

Because we'd still need to install lifts to provide access to all. I like to save money with the best of them but even I can see that a  lift can't be added without a new bridge, I just think we may as well go the whole hog and increase capacity of the car-park at the same time.
how do you do that duke ,

If you look at a lot of stations and also hospital car parks you can see that they manage to build a double decker car park based on a steel frame. They look temporary but seem to work very well.
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: Duke Fame on February 19, 2012, 09:58:12 PM
Why can't the steps be refurbished ? Who made the decision they can not and made  the decision to move it/scrap it ?

Because we'd still need to install lifts to provide access to all. I like to save money with the best of them but even I can see that a  lift can't be added without a new bridge, I just think we may as well go the whole hog and increase capacity of the car-park at the same time.
how do you do that duke ,

In addition to Howard's point that it's not all Get Carter style concrete, the upper deck can go over the tracks which not only is efficient use of space, it will keep commuters dry and just drop a lift shaft on each side of the upper deck.
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: rsh on February 19, 2012, 10:50:03 PM
In addition to Howard's point that it's not all Get Carter style concrete, the upper deck can go over the tracks which not only is efficient use of space, it will keep commuters dry and just drop a lift shaft on each side of the upper deck.

I agree Marple station desperately needs platform canopies, but what a depressing and absurd solution!

If we need more parking spaces, better to move/buy up the coalyard at Rose Hill and extend the car park there right up to Middlewood Way. You could more than double the car park there easily.

At Marple it would have been better to build a brand new ticket office, bridge and lifts at the nearest end of the platform, joining onto the road, allowing pedestrian access directly down to Platform 1 from Brabyns again. Then demolish all the current buildings and extend the car park up into that space.  Unfortunately the way they're doing it, it'll be even more of a hodge-podge than before without even the one saving grace of the heritage footbridge. If they build the new bridge further back than the current one, it'll mean an even longer walk around the whole station for pedestrians coming from Brabyns.
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: Duke Fame on February 20, 2012, 12:51:41 AM
In addition to Howard's point that it's not all Get Carter style concrete, the upper deck can go over the tracks which not only is efficient use of space, it will keep commuters dry and just drop a lift shaft on each side of the upper deck.

I agree Marple station desperately needs platform canopies, but what a depressing and absurd solution!

If we need more parking spaces, better to move/buy up the coalyard at Rose Hill and extend the car park there right up to Middlewood Way. You could more than double the car park there easily.

At Marple it would have been better to build a brand new ticket office, bridge and lifts at the nearest end of the platform, joining onto the road, allowing pedestrian access directly down to Platform 1 from Brabyns again. Then demolish all the current buildings and extend the car park up into that space.  Unfortunately the way they're doing it, it'll be even more of a hodge-podge than before without even the one saving grace of the heritage footbridge. If they build the new bridge further back than the current one, it'll mean an even longer walk around the whole station for pedestrians coming from Brabyns.

No, no, no. Shut Rose Hill and sell off the land. Use the money to build the car park at Marple. Make the service accessable with a shuttle bus to/from the station which picks up /sets down at Rose hill down to dan bank
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: amazon on February 20, 2012, 03:39:55 PM
In addition to Howard's point that it's not all Get Carter style concrete, the upper deck can go over the tracks which not only is efficient use of space, it will keep commuters dry and just drop a lift shaft on each side of the upper deck.

I agree Marple station desperately needs platform canopies, but what a depressing and absurd solution!

If we need more parking spaces, better to move/buy up the coalyard at Rose Hill and extend the car park there right up to Middlewood Way. You could more than double the car park there easily.

At Marple it would have been better to build a brand new ticket office, bridge and lifts at the nearest end of the platform, joining onto the road, allowing pedestrian access directly down to Platform 1 from Brabyns again. Then demolish all the current buildings and extend the car park up into that space.  Unfortunately the way they're doing it, it'll be even more of a hodge-podge than before without even the one saving grace of the heritage footbridge. If they build the new bridge further back than the current one, it'll mean an even longer walk around the whole station for pedestrians coming from


We're is this extra car park going .theres no room on this extra space .



No, no, no. Shut Rose Hill and sell off the land. Use the money to build the car park at Marple. Make the service accessable with a shuttle bus to/from the station which picks up /sets down at Rose hill down to dan bank
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: amazon on February 20, 2012, 03:44:32 PM
No Alison, it is a new bridge going in with (I understand) lifts at each end.  The existing bridge is not in very good condition when you look at it carefully. 

Have emailed peak rail to see if it is still going there .
Reply from peak rail today they are in line for the bridge but as yet don't know how it's coming to them
In other. Words when it's ready for moving who's  bringing in to them .it was reported at least eighteen months ago that It was being delivered free , to them
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: rsh on February 20, 2012, 04:48:16 PM
No, no, no. Shut Rose Hill and sell off the land. Use the money to build the car park at Marple. Make the service accessable with a shuttle bus to/from the station which picks up /sets down at Rose hill down to dan bank

So we're going to close Rose Hill, which is far easier to access by foot for a vast majority of Marple's residential areas, in favour of the station located halfway down a steep hill which people will then need to be ferried to using a shuttle bus? I don't know where to begin...

Funding could surely be found if needed to improve the car park without selling anything. Really the newer overflow bit needs to be flattened out and completely redone, with a deck on top. There's loads of room all around it which could be used for a decked car park built on stilts.
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: amazon on February 20, 2012, 06:14:10 PM
No, no, no. Shut Rose Hill and sell off the land. Use the money to build the car park at Marple. Make the service accessable with a shuttle bus to/from the station which picks up /sets down at Rose hill down to dan bank

So we're going to close Rose Hill, which is far easier to access by foot for a vast majority of Marple's residential areas, in favour of the station located halfway down a steep hill which people will then need to be ferried to using a shuttle bus? I don't know where to begin...

Funding could surely be found if needed to improve the car park without selling anything. Really the newer overflow bit needs to be flattened out and completely redone, with a deck on top. There's loads of room all around it which could be used for a decked car park built on stilts.
Not a cat in hells chance . Of a deck on top .
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: Barbara on February 20, 2012, 06:16:27 PM
Well anyway, I am going to campaign for a travelator/escalator up the hill - puff, puff, poor old thing! :D
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: amazon on February 20, 2012, 08:44:20 PM
Well anyway, I am going to campaign for a travelator/escalator up the hill - puff, puff, poor old thing! :D

 chair lift would be better .think of the views .
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: Taurus on February 20, 2012, 09:29:44 PM
I've always been surprised with the amount of cars parking at Marple station. Unless you live in the top end of Mellor or Compstall then fair enough but if you live anywhere else you could walk
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: Duke Fame on February 20, 2012, 10:08:23 PM
I've always been surprised with the amount of cars parking at Marple station. Unless you live in the top end of Mellor or Compstall then fair enough but if you live anywhere else you could walk

You could but when I get the train I need to be there for 6.19, I value my additional 15 mins in bed too much to walk.
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: Duke Fame on February 20, 2012, 10:13:58 PM
Well anyway, I am going to campaign for a travelator/escalator up the hill - puff, puff, poor old thing! :D

 chair lift would be better .think of the views .

Exactly the right thinking, we sell the licence to build cable car from Marple station to Stockport station, we'll remove traffic and jump the queues. I was scoffed when I fist put forward the idea, it's great to have so much support. Perhaps I should be a councillor
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: Barbara on February 21, 2012, 08:16:18 AM
Re the parking issue - I think a lot of the cars come from outside the area e.g. New Mills, etc. 
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: Duke Fame on February 21, 2012, 09:23:38 AM
No, no, no. Shut Rose Hill and sell off the land. Use the money to build the car park at Marple. Make the service accessable with a shuttle bus to/from the station which picks up /sets down at Rose hill down to dan bank

So we're going to close Rose Hill, which is far easier to access by foot for a vast majority of Marple's residential areas, in favour of the station located halfway down a steep hill which people will then need to be ferried to using a shuttle bus? I don't know where to begin...

Funding could surely be found if needed to improve the car park without selling anything. Really the newer overflow bit needs to be flattened out and completely redone, with a deck on top. There's loads of room all around it which could be used for a decked car park built on stilts.

Rose hill is a bit of a rubbish station, not for where it is but for the difficulty in providing a service that goes anywhere beyond Rose Hill. A shuttle to Marple station will be far more useful as it will open access to the trains up to the whole of Marple.

With this in mind, selling something that is of little use to get something really useful would be a step forward.
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: rsh on February 21, 2012, 02:10:29 PM
With this in mind, selling something that is of little use to get something really useful would be a step forward.

97,780 passengers, and counting, would object to it being of "little use". And the "really useful" in this case would be trading it for a decked car park across platforms at Marple? Thank god that kind of 40-year old thinking is no longer shared by transport planners!

The fact that Rose Hill is a relatively quiet terminus isn't an issue, as long as the trains fill up by the time they get to Piccadilly, which they do. With the potential for tram-train to Manchester and a link into Stockport town centre, Rose Hill provides the opportunity to convert so many more car journeys into public transport.

I like the idea of a simple shuttle bus going Rose Hill - Marple centre - Marple station, like our own little Metroshuttle linking both stations into town (although I suppose the 383/384 does this already), but I think you'd find that closing Rose Hill and providing a shuttle bus to Marple wouldn't work. No-one would make that journey from Rose Hill, they'd just get in their car and drive. Welcome back to the 1970s.

Not a cat in hells chance . Of a deck on top .

I'm not sure how else the parking could be expanded. As Barbara says above, it's effectively a park and ride for people from New Mills and all around, and those park and ride projects seem to get a good amount of funding, if that's the issue.

Although I wouldn't like to see it as a priority myself... Given Rose Hill often has spare spaces to Marple's overflowing overflow, a far simpler solution would be to advertise the improved Rose Hill service at Marple (and to continue improving the Rose Hill service), encourage a few people to switch across first.
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: Belly on February 21, 2012, 02:29:33 PM
Speaking as an ex-regular rail commuter to Manchester (not working there anymore) until GMPTE sort out the poor evening service at Rose Hill, it will never be an attractive option, except for prople who live close to tehe station. Any service that effectively shuts down at 6.30pm  is never going to convince people to take a risk on using it, in case they get stuck at work and stranded car-less at their destination.
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: Duke Fame on February 21, 2012, 03:52:59 PM
Speaking as an ex-regular rail commuter to Manchester (not working there anymore) until GMPTE sort out the poor evening service at Rose Hill, it will never be an attractive option, except for prople who live close to tehe station. Any service that effectively shuts down at 6.30pm  is never going to convince people to take a risk on using it, in case they get stuck at work and stranded car-less at their destination.

That's always the key, whithout a regular late service, nobody wants to risk being stranded at the wrong station.
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: ringi on February 22, 2012, 12:57:29 PM
Also the lack of a 9:30 train from Rose Hill and no parking at Marple by that time.

If Rose Hill was renamed Marple Rose Hill and Marple was renamed Marple Canal, then it would be a lot easy to people to pick the best station for them.  At present the trains are not even listed next to each other on the Manchester departure board.

Speaking as an ex-regular rail commuter to Manchester (not working there anymore) until GMPTE sort out the poor evening service at Rose Hill, it will never be an attractive option, except for prople who live close to tehe station. Any service that effectively shuts down at 6.30pm  is never going to convince people to take a risk on using it, in case they get stuck at work and stranded car-less at their destination.
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: Belly on February 22, 2012, 02:08:10 PM
Also the lack of a 9:30 train from Rose Hill and no parking at Marple by that time.

Agree with the 9.30 train point - that stumped me last week when I had a meeting in Manchester. All the parking at Marple was full, as was Romiley. I ended up driving in. Not very sustainable.
[/quote]
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: hollins on February 22, 2012, 03:03:45 PM
By comparison with other stations on the same line and in the general area Marple Station actually has a huge amount of free parking in its vicinity. The hard area near the ticket office is indeed limited and full by very early in the morning - but there is also a large overflow car park on the opposite side of the road and a car park in Marple Bridge only 200 yards away. Other people park on the side roads just above the canal. This is far more capacity than New Mills, Romiley etc.

I think the emphasis should be on campaigning for more and longer train services, not more spaces to dump a lump of metal that is going to do nothing all day - but then I prefer to walk to the station and keep my options open for which Marple terminus I return to in the evening.

Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: rotten john on February 22, 2012, 07:57:18 PM
i agree what a shame another old piece of our history/heritage is going.destroying the marple we love,for a new type concreate (no doubt) eyesore....and using the excuse that the old bridge needs repairs etc a good sand blast and new paint
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: amazon on February 22, 2012, 08:45:23 PM
i agree what a shame another old piece of our history/heritage is going.destroying the marple we love,for a new type concreate (no doubt) eyesore....and using the excuse that the old bridge needs repairs etc a good sand blast and new paint


So how do you  transport disabled people from this side to that side .dont say they get on the train this side go up to the loop back on the other side .the train goes out of service at marple comes back in service when it comes into the other side .allso drivers break time if they are not running late .
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: amazon on February 22, 2012, 08:54:50 PM
By comparison with other stations on the same line and in the general area Marple Station actually has a huge amount of free parking in its vicinity. The hard area near the ticket office is indeed limited and full by very early in the morning - but there is also a large overflow car park on the opposite side of the road and a car park in Marple Bridge only 200 yards away. Other people park on the side roads just above the canal. This is far more capacity than New Mills, Romiley etc.

I think the emphasis should be on campaigning for more and longer train services, not more spaces to dump a lump of metal that is going to do nothing all day - but then I prefer to walk to the station and keep my options open for which Marple terminus I return to in the evening.

One of the problems people come from new mills shrines because it's cheaper        someone will say but they use the car to get hear It's still cheaper .

Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: Duke Fame on February 22, 2012, 09:22:28 PM
i agree what a shame another old piece of our history/heritage is going.destroying the marple we love,for a new type concreate (no doubt) eyesore....and using the excuse that the old bridge needs repairs etc a good sand blast and new paint

We are talking about Marple station here which with perhaps the exception of Euston has to be the dullest station I've ever used.

We can sometimes forget, the desire for preserving even the deserving heritage stops us from getting on. The station needs to be able to accommodate as many trains and passengers as possible. IMHO the answer is very simple, increase the car park capacity, increase the number of trains to & from, improve access by way of a Marple shuttle bus and we make the use of the station to the max.
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: marpleleaf on February 26, 2012, 04:36:41 PM
I have to say I quite like Rose Hill station. My morning routine is to park up at Rose Hill Station, grab a Metro, get a seat, Plug in a the iPod. Get to work comfortable and ready. The train could be better, but all Northern Rail trains are pretty crap.

Unless I'm going on a train before 0730 Marple the service is gnarly, crowded and stressy.

The trains home could do with another one after 18:36 from Piccadilly, but I like it. Bear in mind too that by the time the train has gone round the Hyde loop the train fills up nicely.

And Tony Tweedy does a great job keeping the place going - a real local hero.
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: Duke Fame on February 26, 2012, 09:47:33 PM
I have to say I quite like Rose Hill station. My morning routine is to park up at Rose Hill Station, grab a Metro, get a seat, Plug in a the iPod. Get to work comfortable and ready. The train could be better, but all Northern Rail trains are pretty crap.

Unless I'm going on a train before 0730 Marple the service is gnarly, crowded and stressy.

The trains home could do with another one after 18:36 from Piccadilly, but I like it. Bear in mind too that by the time the train has gone round the Hyde loop the train fills up nicely.

And Tony Tweedy does a great job keeping the place going - a real local hero.

In fairness, if Rose hill was shut and Marple had a free multi-story car park & a train every 25 mins, would it be a more difficult commute.

Selling off Rose hill and building houses on the track bed will raise a lot of cash to improve Marple
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: Belly on February 26, 2012, 09:57:44 PM


In fairness, if Rose hill was shut and Marple had a free multi-story car park & a train every 25 mins, would it be a more difficult commute.

Selling off Rose hill and building houses on the track bed will raise a lot of cash to improve Marple
[/quote]

Building houses on the trackbed ??? As most of the line is in steep cutting they would be narrow, miserable places to live with no access except on foot.
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: Duke Fame on February 26, 2012, 10:15:12 PM


In fairness, if Rose hill was shut and Marple had a free multi-story car park & a train every 25 mins, would it be a more difficult commute.

Selling off Rose hill and building houses on the track bed will raise a lot of cash to improve Marple

Building houses on the trackbed ??? As most of the line is in steep cutting they would be narrow, miserable places to live with no access except on foot.
[/quote]

Ecologically sound housing for the car-less world. My friend, I  give you the future
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: rsh on February 26, 2012, 11:34:31 PM
Ecologically sound housing for the car-less world. My friend, I  give you the future

Wonderful! What a shame those car-less properties would be lacking such a vital public transport amenity as, say, a railway station...

The fact is, there is simply no need to sell an arm to support a leg in this case. As evidenced by the current expensive bridge and lift works, if Marple station needs funding for something it will be found from regular transport budgets. Has the need for improved parking ever actually been raised anywhere?
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: Henry_ on February 27, 2012, 01:57:50 PM
If Rose Hill were to shut can I suggest that the land taken up by the track is gifted to the houses backing onto it? I of course have no vested interest in this  ::)
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: Chris78 on February 28, 2012, 01:18:44 PM
The planning application (DC/047839) can be found on Stockport MBC websites although there are no plans. However it would appear that Spencers did a similar scheme at Cheadle Hulme Station in which the link below has a photo and references the improvements planned at Marple. The article states about Marple -

"Work is due to start on site this winter and will take around nine months to complete. When finished, the old footbridge will have been removed and new lifts installed on both platforms, linked by a new single span footbridge.

The existing toilets will be demolished and the ticket office building will be extended to accommodate new accessible toilet facilities.

The station will have new automatic entrance doors and the area of car park adjacent to the ticket office will be resurfaced to provide designated disabled parking, with unobstructed step-free access."

http://www.rail.co/2011/08/03/improvements-at-cheadle-hulme-station/

As above it looks like the car park is getting resurfaced so that quashes any rumours of a multi-storey. I'm not overly struck by the design of the new bridge/lifts, especially being on the boundary but not in the Conservation Area, however that aside I'm all for the improvements at the station. As can been seen on-site they are clearing the land and toilets a little further up from the existing bridge, so no doubt this is were its going. The existing bridge will probably remain in-situ whilst the new one is being built meaning there will be no major disturbance to commuters.

I hope that clarifies some of the issues and is of interest to people
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: Heritage on February 28, 2012, 06:15:10 PM
I was chatting to a couple of the contractors the other day. They've installed these bridges at various stations over the past 6 months across the UK. One guy told me that they are using stone cladding on the Marple bridge in view of its location. He also mentioned that they had exposed the old track beds from when we had a mainline station [with through trains to London!] which is interesting, and they have of course uncovered the old tiled flooring which can be seen from the Manchester platform behind the fence at the Romiley end. But no skulls or secret rooms!
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: amazon on February 29, 2012, 04:40:06 PM
I was chatting to a couple of the contractors the other day. They've installed these bridges at various stations over the past 6 months across the UK. One guy told me that they are using stone cladding on the Marple bridge in view of its location. He also mentioned that they had exposed the old track beds from when we had a mainline station [with through trains to London!] which is interesting, and they have of course uncovered the old tiled flooring which can be seen from the Manchester platform behind the fence at the Romiley end. But no skulls or secret rooms!

Where's Arthur some photos please
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: admin on March 06, 2012, 07:53:59 PM
Some more work in progress photos from Arthur have been added to the Virtual Tour:

http://visitmarple.co.uk/photos/thumbnails.php?album=lastup&cat=-23
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: amazon on April 02, 2012, 08:01:38 PM
Some more work in progress photos from Arthur have been added to the Virtual Tour:

http://visitmarple.co.uk/photos/thumbnails.php?album=lastup&cat=-23
.

Two large end sections lifted in place sat night car park closed all day sat two massive low loaders what up lower fold sat night . The wheels as big as the houses .anybody any photos .dont know when the middle section
Going in anybody any info please post .
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: rotten john on April 05, 2012, 06:00:17 PM
i agree what a shame another old piece of our history/heritage is going.destroying the marple we love,for a new type concreate (no doubt) eyesore....and using the excuse that the old bridge needs repairs etc a good sand blast and new paint


So how do you  transport disabled people from this side to that side .dont say they get on the train this side go up to the loop back on the other side .the train goes out of service at marple comes back in service when it comes into the other side .allso drivers break time if they are not running late .
so we pay probably millions for a new bridge thats tottally out of characture that 3-4 disabled might want to use a year,but b4 they can they need the station fat controller to open it up for them so its useless unless a member of staff is there,on top of free travel,subsidised cars,travel vouchers,ring n ride,etc etc etc we spend millions demolishing another part of our history/heritage.all the other local stations are disbled friendly so use the free travel vouchers your given and get on the train there.aint selfish just real
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: Heritage on April 05, 2012, 06:25:53 PM
Ooops! Sounds as though the Keep Marple Like It Was 1974 Society are out again!!
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: amazon on April 05, 2012, 07:32:35 PM
i agree what a shame another old piece of our history/heritage is going.destroying the marple we love,for a new type concreate (no doubt) eyesore....and using the excuse that the old bridge needs repairs etc a good sand blast and new paint


So how do you  transport disabled people from this side to that side .dont say they get on the train this side go up to the loop back on the other side .the train goes out of service at marple comes back in service when it comes into the other side .allso drivers break time if they are not running late .
so we pay probably millions for a new bridge thats tottally out of characture that 3-4 disabled might want to use a year,but b4 they can they need the station fat controller to open it up for them so its useless unless a member of staff is there,on top of free travel,subsidised cars,travel vouchers,ring n ride,etc etc etc we spend millions demolishing another part of our history/heritage.all the other local stations are disbled friendly so use the free travel vouchers your given and get on the train there.aint selfish just real
There wont be. A station fat controller it's going tck machines .when finished .
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: amazon on April 05, 2012, 07:34:58 PM
Ooops! Sounds as though the Keep Marple Like It Was 1974 Society are out again!!

Looks like it they would sooner moan about not getting to the other side inn there wheelchairs .
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: Steptoe and Son on April 05, 2012, 07:46:35 PM
Quote
so we pay probably millions for a new bridge thats tottally out of characture that 3-4 disabled might want to use a year,but b4 they can they need the station fat controller to open it up for them so its useless unless a member of staff is there,on top of free travel,subsidised cars,travel vouchers,ring n ride,etc etc etc we spend millions demolishing another part of our history/heritage.all the other local stations are disbled friendly so use the free travel vouchers your given and get on the train there.aint selfish just real

I've read this a couple of times and I've even drafted in Mrs Steptoe to cast an eye over it.  I was hoping that it's a joke or satirical in some way but I just seem to see an ill-informed, misanthropic, backward looking bilious rant.
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: Heritage on April 05, 2012, 08:24:23 PM
Rotten John - please don't post such offensive nonsense again. Clearly you have never had any need to befriend a disabled person, have any meaningful interaction with a less abled person, or God forbid be related to one.

References to spelling etc removed. Admin.
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: admin on April 06, 2012, 06:24:48 AM
Some more work in progress photos taken by Arthur on 4 April have been added to the Virtual Tour this morning:

http://visitmarple.co.uk/photos/thumbnails.php?album=lastup&cat=-23

Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: alison on April 06, 2012, 04:45:31 PM
Wow, that's quite a construction job going on. Thanks for the photos really interesting. And its going to make Marple station much more accessible for all kinds of people, not just wheelchair users, parents with prams, people with heavy luggage, people who find the stairs a challenge, and even dopes like me who discover how difficult stairs are when recovering from a sprained ankle. I think that's woth a slight change to the landscape personally.

Alison
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: thebigshed on April 06, 2012, 05:08:02 PM
Any chance of a bridge extension to the path that runs alongside the tennis courts?
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: rotten john on April 08, 2012, 04:13:05 AM
Rotten John - please don't post such offensive nonsense again. Clearly you have never had any need to befriend a disabled person, have any meaningful interaction with a less abled person, or God forbid be related to one.
I've probably done more for disabled and oaps in stockport and marple than you will ever do,and im still doing!!..which is why i made my valid point........do we as a community really think that spending millions on a tiny train station to build a lift to take a few extra passingers a year,that will not be in use unless a fat controller(thomas the tank type) is in postion to use the lift ? as someone else pointed out it will be UNMANED soon so there will be no body there to do it,so it will be useless,when i add stockport council allready lay on a fine service for disabled to take them around the borough via mini bus or taxi,and woodley and bredbury and stockport train stations are all easy accsess to all and are all only one or two stops away.no wonder all the rail companies go bust! they got people like you in control bet you still vote labour! want to fix everything but aint got the money to fix it so we fix it anyway we can worry about the debt,our grandkids can pay the debt!

References to spelling etc removed. Admin.
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: Steptoe and Son on April 08, 2012, 11:30:39 PM
Rotten John - please don't post such offensive nonsense again. Clearly you have never had any need to befriend a disabled person, have any meaningful interaction with a less abled person, or God forbid be related to one.
I've probably done more for disabled and oaps in stockport and marple than you will ever do,and im still doing!!..which is why i made my valid point........do we as a community really think that spending millions on a tiny train station to build a lift to take a few extra passingers a year,that will not be in use unless a fat controller(thomas the tank type) is in postion to use the lift ? as someone else pointed out it will be UNMANED soon so there will be no body there to do it,so it will be useless,when i add stockport council allready lay on a fine service for disabled to take them around the borough via mini bus or taxi,and woodley and bredbury and stockport train stations are all easy accsess to all and are all only one or two stops away.no wonder all the rail companies go bust! they got people like you in control bet you still vote labour! want to fix everything but aint got the money to fix it so we fix it anyway we can worry about the debt,our grandkids can pay the debt!

References to spelling etc removed. Admin.

To twist this into a party political diatribe is impressive, if it were not so ridiculous.  I'm pretty sure that people, whatever their ability, want choice and I'm positive they don't want you deciding how they live their lives or when and where they travel to or from.
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: Heritage on April 09, 2012, 05:11:25 PM
Quite!! Surreal twist of issues. It'll be a huge boost when there is proper access to the platforms for all users of the rail service. Marple's sustainability relies in no small part on its attractiveness as a commuter base for Manchester, and the provision of access for commuters is key to that - whatever their level of mobility - as well as leisure users who wish to come to Marple for its scenery and attractiveness.
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: rsh on April 09, 2012, 06:36:35 PM
http://visitmarple.co.uk/photos/displayimage.php?album=lastup&cat=-23&pid=6766

Why have they built this lift shaft so far back from the existing platform? Isn't that where there used to be an additional bay platform track? The same bay platform they've just suggested re-opening should Marple's rail service to Manchester be converted to a more frequent tram-train service (info here (http://www.marple-uk.com/smf/index.php?topic=4136.0)), allowing trams to turn back without disrupting the main line.

So now the previously four-platform Marple is stuck with only two through platforms. Some joined-up thinking there! ::)
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: rotten john on April 12, 2012, 09:14:35 PM
so common wheres the answer ??? no body will be there to help the people cross the bridge....so why waste the money ????..oh i forgot youll worry about that once its built!!........ thank you i rest my case!
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: hollins on April 12, 2012, 09:58:36 PM
so common wheres the answer ??? no body will be there to help the people cross the bridge....so why waste the money ????..oh i forgot youll worry about that once its built!!........ thank you i rest my case!

Not sure that I understand this post. The whole idea of putting in lifts is so that people DON'T require assistance crossing the railway.

I have to say that the new infrastructure looks quite impressive, and it is certainly going up fast.
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: Duke Fame on April 13, 2012, 11:59:23 AM
so common wheres the answer ??? no body will be there to help the people cross the bridge....so why waste the money ????..oh i forgot youll worry about that once its built!!........ thank you i rest my case!

I suspect the reason for the siting down the platform is simply using standard sizes. These lift systems are being installed throughout the country, it's part of the government's efforts to put capital infrastructure investment in now when the economy is slow as it's money that is going to have to be spent anyway. The lift systems are kept to standard sizing whereever possible so that they don't have to make a footbridge especially for a particular stations in order to avoid high costs.

I guess it's cheaper to use an off the shelf footbridge rather than connect lifts to the existing road bridge which may be more ascetically pleasing 
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: amazon on April 13, 2012, 01:33:35 PM
http://visitmarple.co.uk/photos/displayimage.php?album=lastup&cat=-23&pid=6766

Why have they built this lift shaft so far back from the existing platform? Isn't that where there used to be an additional bay platform track? The same bay platform they've just suggested re-opening should Marple's rail service to Manchester be converted to a more frequent tram-train service (info here (http://www.marple-uk.com/smf/index.php?topic=4136.0)), allowing trams to turn back without disrupting the main line.

So now the previously four-platform Marple is stuck with only two through platforms. Some joined-up thinking there! ::)

Don't forget the booking office is also being altered
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: admin on April 14, 2012, 05:52:04 AM
Arthur paid another visit to Marple Station yesterday and here's the latest progress photos:

http://visitmarple.co.uk/photos/thumbnails.php?album=lastup&cat=-23

For any night-owls, apparently the bridging section will be installed around 12.15am on Sunday morning.

Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: admin on April 15, 2012, 05:33:09 PM
A dozen shots taken by Arthur of the new bridge being installed during the early hours of this morning have just been added to the Virtual Tour:

http://visitmarple.co.uk/photos/thumbnails.php?album=lastup&cat=-23
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: amazon on April 15, 2012, 08:08:46 PM
A dozen shots taken by Arthur of the new bridge being installed during the early hours of this morning have just been added to the Virtual Tour:

http://visitmarple.co.uk/photos/thumbnails.php?album=lastup&cat=-23

Brilliant photos he should  publish a book  with all his best photos he's ever taken .
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: Osdog on April 21, 2012, 03:23:17 PM
As a regular rail user from Marple, I think the new structure will look great when it's finished.  There has always been difficulty for folks with bicycles, prams, wheelchairs etc.... and for them now the problems will be solved.  Not everyone can just use a different station - and I personally don't use Rose Hill, as that means that I'd have to get the car out to get there.  Marple central is more .... well..... local really.

Lets' just appreciate the improvements shall we?
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: admin on April 29, 2012, 09:48:50 AM
Some more photos taken by Arthur of the improvements to Marple Station have been added to the Virtual Tour this morning:

http://visitmarple.co.uk/photos/thumbnails.php?album=lastup&cat=-23
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: Barbara on May 02, 2012, 06:14:06 PM
The cladding work on the two lift shafts is going well.  It should look really good when completed.  And when you really study the old bridge it is in a really poor state and would cost a fortune to renovate - and still no disabled/pushchair access.  Now we just need my lift up the hill when I get back!!! ;)
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: hollins on June 11, 2012, 09:03:20 AM
Crossed the tracks on the new bridge at Marple station for the first time this morning. Very impressive structure!

The old bridge deck is still in place (not sure if it is still carrying cables), but the steps were removed at the weekend.
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: Dave on June 11, 2012, 09:43:08 AM
Very impressive structure!

It certainly is.  And it's really gratifying to compare the trouble (and presumably expense) that's been expended on making it look good - for example, using imitation stone blocking, and with that sloping roof that gives the design a bit of character.  Compare that with the eyesore which is the booking office  ::)
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: Barbara on June 11, 2012, 10:00:04 AM
I used it yesterday, and thought the steps were much more user-friendly than the old ones.  Mind you - I am speaking as someone who might well need the lifts in due course!!   ;)
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: wheels on June 11, 2012, 12:51:23 PM
I regularly carry my bike over the bridge and and old one was a pain as well as being an eyesore.

Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: amazon on June 11, 2012, 07:39:52 PM
I used it yesterday, and thought the steps were much more user-friendly than the old ones.  Mind you - I am speaking as someone who might well need the lifts in due course!!   ;)

Are the lifts working .
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: Barbara on June 11, 2012, 10:43:50 PM
No the lifts are not in use yet - but it is actually beginning to look as if there is an end in sight.  The bridge is looking really good!
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: rsh on June 12, 2012, 06:18:32 PM
Funny, I thought the same thing the other day: the old bridge looks rather grotty now, and though it may have some historic value, it's better off somewhere that'll actually look after it properly. The new bridge and the smart stone-clad lifts are far better than I expected, making the station look both up-to-date and still in-keeping with the country setting at the same time.

Have any alterations to the booking office begun yet? (adding on new toilets?)
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: thebigshed on June 12, 2012, 07:57:02 PM
The new toilets are being built as an extension to the old booking office.  It looks like they are almost finished.
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: Barbara on June 14, 2012, 09:04:48 PM
I asked one of the men working on the station this morning if he knew what was happening to the old bridge.  He said he understood that it was going to a museum - so it sounds as if it might be going to Peak Rail.  Mind you, when you really look at it there is a lot of repair work needed. 
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: Stockport Classic Bus on June 14, 2012, 09:18:57 PM
Yeah as I understand it, it is still going to Peak Rail. Out of interest, there is a very nice vintage bus and train fair there this Sunday, at Rowsley Station near Bakewell, where the bridge will probably end up. A nice day out for the family and only 45 minutes away. Plenty of steam trains, and free vintage bus rides between the vehicle rally, Bakewell centre, and Chatsworth House.
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: admin on June 21, 2012, 05:38:16 PM
Some fantastic photos taken by Arthur Procter of the old bridge being removed from Marple Station at around 3am on Sunday morning have been added to the Virtual Tour:

http://visitmarple.co.uk/photos/thumbnails.php?album=lastup&cat=-23
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: amazon on June 21, 2012, 06:46:50 PM
Some fantastic photos taken by Arthur Procter of the old bridge being removed from Marple Station at around 3am on Sunday morning have been added to the Virtual Tour:

http://visitmarple.co.uk/photos/thumbnails.php?album=lastup&cat=-23

Brilliant again Arthur ,does anyone know we're the bridge did go to .it was destined for Peak rail .
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: rsh on June 21, 2012, 07:57:30 PM
One bridge in, one bridge out... it's all go round here. Thanks for the photos.

The stone cladding on the lifts looks really smart too. I hope at some point they also tart up the older buildings to match, which are looking very shabby with peeling green paint: http://visitmarple.co.uk/photos/displayimage.php?album=lastup&cat=-23&pid=6913
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: admin on June 21, 2012, 08:02:15 PM
Network Rail have donated and delivered it to Peak Rail at Rowsley where it will be re-erected and have a plaque stating that it came from Marple.
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: amazon on June 21, 2012, 09:23:49 PM
Network Rail have donated and delivered it to Peak Rail at Rowsley where it will be re-erected and have a plaque stating that it came from Marple.
.

Great thanks mark .
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: Stockport Classic Bus on June 22, 2012, 01:31:12 PM
I happened to be at Peak Rail with the 'Marple Carnival Bus' last Sunday and the bridge will look good once in place there at Rowsley. Nice spot for a day trip, only minutes from Bakewell and then a steam train ride from Rowsley to Matlock! Chatsworth also only 10 mins away making for a good day out.
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: My login is Henrietta on June 25, 2012, 11:32:44 PM
And shopping at Peak Village Outlet Shopping Centre, Rowsley. (Be still my beating heart!)
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: My login is Henrietta on June 25, 2012, 11:37:20 PM
Network Rail have donated and delivered it to Peak Rail at Rowsley where it will be re-erected and have a plaque stating that it came from Marple.
.

Great thanks mark .
I remember years ago (probably late 1970-something) reading that Marple had some of the best and historically important railway iron work in the country. Sadly this was after the said iron work had been scrapped.
Title: Re: Marple Station
Post by: marveld on July 04, 2012, 09:57:07 PM
A couple of links showing the bridge ...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/peakrailprogress/7497638748/ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/peakrailprogress/7497638748/)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/peakrailprogress/7497630864/ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/peakrailprogress/7497630864/)