The Grade II-listed Stockport Viaduct is undergoing a £1m restoration, which will see part of the M60 close for almost a fortnight.
The huge structure, which towers over the town, carries almost 400 trains every day between the West Coast Main Line and Manchester Piccadilly.
Dating all the way back to 1840 and standing at 34 metres tall, Stockport Viaduct has been slowly undergoing improvement works, including removing overgrowing vegetation, cleaning grafitti, and repairing some of the viaduct’s 11 million bricks.
Since last year that work’s already taken place on 23 of the 26 spans, but now the M60 will need to close that engineers can complete the revamp.
The busy motorway will be shut in both directions between J27 and J1 from Monday 17 February until Sunday 2 March, closing at 10pm and reopening at 6am.
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Rob Stephens, principal route engineer for the North West route, said: “Stockport Viaduct is an important piece of cultural heritage for the railway and the Stockport community. We are proud to be responsible for its upkeep.
“The final stage of the project will take place this February, as we want to make sure the nighttime road closure causes as little inconvenience as possible for the people of Stockport.
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“The recent work means the overall appearance of the viaduct is much improved, but it also reduces the risk of damage caused by overgrown vegetation and graffiti.
“Managing plant growth on viaducts such as this is important in maintaining train performance as trees and shrubs can obscure signals and interfere with the overhead lines that power trains.”
The M60 is set to close for almost two weeks as Stockport Viaduct undergoes £1m revamp. Credit: Network Rail
Cllr Grace Baynham, cabinet member for Parks, Highways and Transport Services, said: “Stockport Viaduct is an iconic feature of our town and it is great that Network Rail has been carrying out the restoration of this much loved structure.
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“With the £1billion regeneration of our town centre continuing apace, it’s even more important that our historical, listed, landmarks look their absolute best.
“I’m sure our residents and visitors have seen the improvement in the areas that have already been completed.
“We appreciate everyone’s patience while this vital final section of the work is completed.”
Navendu Mishra, MP for Stockport, said: “I am delighted that Stockport Viaduct is being cleaned and repaired to its former glory. I have raised concerns in Parliament about the condition of the Viaduct and called for funding to cover cleaning, maintenance and repair costs to this impressive and essential infrastructure.
“I congratulate Network Rail for recognising and embarking on this huge revamp project, which will benefit people who live, work and travel through Stockport.”
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Network Rail is also informing the people of Stockport about work to replace the Greek Street bridge which takes cars over the West Coast main line between Edgeley and Stockport town centre.
Spooktacular Halloween trail to return to National Trust site Quarry Bank
Daisy Jackson
A Halloween trail is set to return to Quarry Bank Mill this autumn for one of the region’s most hauntingly beautiful seasonal events.
The National Trust site is a former working mill and one of the country’s finest industrial buildings – but as night falls and the shadows lengthen, a haunting will begin…
This year’s Halloween at Quarry Bank will again feature spooky light installations, a mesmerising laser garden, and a thrilling fire show, as well as live performances and seasonal food and drink.
Returning for a second year, Halloween at Quarry Bank will be an unforgettable experience for all ages.
Fog will swirl through the paths around the grounds, as glowing demon eyes watch over passers-by and giant skeletons loom over twisted trees.
If you’re brave enough, the trail then heads inside the mill itself, where creaking and clanking sounds of its industrial past hint at something a little more haunted.
Credit: Andrew Ogilvy PhotographyCredit: SuppliedCredit: Supplied
As you wander the trail, you’ll pass installations like glowing fire spheres and catacombs echoing with whispers from the past, plus plenty more surprises waiting in the shadows.
Then you can refuel with ‘bewitched burgers and freaky fries’, plus hot toddys and decadent hot chocolates.
You can even toast a marshmallow over an open fire.
Halloween at Quarry Bank is designed for families, couples, and groups of friends alike, and attracts visitors from all over Greater Manchester, Cheshire, Merseyside and Lancashire.
Entry to the trail is on a timed slot system – tickets are on sale now HERE.
Beautiful Stockport cocktail bar launched by Blossoms frontman announces closure
Daisy Jackson
Bohemian Arts Club, the stunning cocktail bar launched by Blossoms frontman Tom Ogden, has announced its closure.
The Stockport venue was opened by Tom and his wife Katie back in 2023, taking over a formerly derelict three-storey building on Coopers Brow.
While the ground floor was initially home to Katie’s thriving hair salon, Bohemian Salon, the top two floors were transformed into a vintage, design-led cocktail bar filled with mirror-tiled doors and heart-shaped chairs hand-made by Katie’s mum and dad.
But today, Bohemian Arts Club has announced that the building will enter in a ‘brand-new chapter’ – and that means the closure of the cocktail bar.
Bohemian Salon is in such high demand that they have decided to expand it into the top two floors.
The bar shared: “After an amazing 2½ years, we’re excited to share that the building is about to enter a brand-new chapter! With the salon thriving and in such high demand, Bohemian will be expanding upstairs into the two floors above.
“Although this means the bar will be closing and this brings sadness, we also couldn’t be happier to see the space continue to flourish and evolve. It’s been such a joy to share weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, and countless celebrations with you all—we’ll always treasure those memories.
Bohemian Arts Club. Credit: The Manc GroupCocktails at Bohemian Arts Club. Credit: The Manc Group
“Our last service will be Friday 3rd October. For anyone with bookings after this date, we’ll be in touch to cancel—apologies for any inconvenience.
“Thank you so much for your love and support over the last couple of years. Here’s to the next chapter ahead, we can’t wait to show you all the new space!
“Katie, Tom and the team.”
Fans have been sharing their sadness at the news of the bar closure, with one writing: “Gutted about this, you do the best cocktails in Stockport – would love you to open in a new space.”
Another wrote: “Aww we’re gutted the bar is closing! We’re huge Blossoms fans and got engaged at the bar in March 2024 so it will forever be a special place for us. Good luck with the expanding salon!”
And someone else posted: “Noooo my cocktails. Great news for the salon though guys.”
Daisy Jackson -
23rd January 2025 
