Willmott Dixon's Stockport Interchange has been crowned Project of the Year (over £50m) at the Construction News Awards 2025, the construction industry's most prestigious awards ceremony.

The £140m project, delivered in partnership with Transport for Greater Manchester, Stockport Council, Greater Manchester Combined Authority, and CityRise, was selected from 523 entries by a panel of 75 industry judges.

Transformational Impact

Stockport Interchange represents far more than infrastructure - it's a catalyst for regeneration. As a central component of both a £1 billion regeneration programme and Greater Manchester's new integrated transport system, the Bee Network, the project creates seamless connectivity between the West Coast Mainline, local transport services, new homes, and two acres of public realm.

The judges highlighted our ability to handle this complex town centre regeneration, noting our expertise in managing multi-level access within a challenging urban environment while delivering genuine transformation.

Excellence in Delivery

What sets this project apart is how we navigated unprecedented challenges while maintaining our standards:

• Adaptive expertise: Procured and designed during Covid, demonstrating our ability to innovate under pressure
• Sustainable focus: Built with sustainability and quality at the core, reflecting our commitment to responsible construction
• Regulatory excellence: Evolved to meet Building Safety Act requirements, staying ahead of changing standards
• Reliable delivery: Completed on time and on budget with zero accident frequency

Innovation in Action

The project showcased advanced construction techniques, including hydraulic steel protective screening to accelerate build times and protect works from weather. Our team reduced concrete usage by 11% through innovative design choices while addressing complex site constraints including Victorian sewers and rock-cut tunnels.

The social value delivered exceeded expectations, with 175 new jobs created, over 850 apprenticeship and training weeks delivered, and 103 work placements provided - far exceeding original targets. More than half of project spend was invested within 20 miles of the site, supporting local economic growth.

Recognition Across Multiple Categories

Beyond our headline win, Willmott Dixon was shortlisted across seven additional categories at the awards, demonstrating the consistent quality and innovation across our portfolio:

• Regeneration Project of the Year
• Community Engagement Project of the Year
• Low Carbon Project of the Year
• Project of the Year (under £20m) - two projects shortlisted
• Project of the Year (£20m-£50m)
• Diversity and Inclusion Excellence

Partnering for Success

This achievement reflects our collaborative approach to major projects. Working closely with Transport for Greater Manchester, Stockport Council, and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, we delivered a project that will serve as a gateway to the region for generations to come.

Seeking a construction partner that combines technical excellence with innovative delivery? Our award-winning approach ensures projects that don't just meet requirements - they transform communities.