The new-look St Peter’s Square tram stop is to open to Metrolink passengers from this Sunday – and tram bosses are promising a more “frequent and reliable” service in future.
The re-opening of the stop, which has been closed to passengers for 14 months, will come as a relief for many Altrincham residents who rely on the tram to commute to various parts of the city centre for work.
It also signifies the return of twin track services through the square and the uniting of the city and wider network for the first time in nine weeks.
Transport for Greater Manchester’s (TfGM) transformation of the St Peter’s Square stop is part of Manchester City Council’s redevelopment of the area.
The multi-million pound project has seen the stop moved towards the northern end of the square, near the relocated cenotaph.
With two new island platforms and two sets of twin track, TfGM says the stop will allow “more frequent and reliable tram services to run through the city and across the tram network when the Second City Crossing opens next year”.
Further finishing works for the Second City Crossing will be undertaken around the stop and the square.
Councillor Andrew Fender, chair of the TfGM Committee, said: “I’m delighted we’re going to be able to re-open the St Peter’s Square stop and reconnect the network over the bank holiday weekend, as planned.
“A significant amount has happened over the last nine weeks and it has required a huge undertaking by the contractor M-Pact Thales (MPT) to transform St Peter’s Square from a construction site into an operational tram stop in that time.
“Once complete, St Peter’s Square will undoubtedly be the jewel in Manchester’s crown.”
Greater Manchester Mayor Tony Lloyd added: “I’m pleased to see that this new-look stop will reopen on time. Although the last nine weeks have been difficult for passengers, this work will bring real benefits for residents and visitors, especially as work continues on the Second City Crossing. It marks a milestone in the continued investment in Greater Manchester’s transport network.”
Metrolink customers are advised to find out more about service changes at www.metrolink.co.uk or by calling Customer Services on 0161 205 2000. Follow @MCRMetrolink on Twitter for live travel updates.
The following Metrolink services will run from Sunday:
- Altrincham – Bury (Mon to Fri 0715–1930 and Sat 0930–1830 only)
- Altrincham – Piccadilly
- East Didsbury – Victoria (Mon to Fri before 0715 and after 1930. Sat before 0930 and after 1830. All day Sunday).
- MediaCityUK – Piccadilly (Mon to Fri 0715–2000 and Sat 0900–1800 only)
- Eccles – Ashton-under-Lyne via MediaCityUK
- Manchester Airport – Cornbrook
- Bury – Etihad Campus
- Shaw and Crompton – East Didsbury (Mon to Fri 0715–1930 and Sat 0930–1830 only)
- Rochdale Town Centre – Exchange Square
- Firswood – Manchester Airport (0300 – 0600 only)
- East Didsbury – Deansgate-Castlefield (Mon to Fri 0715–1930 and Sat 0930–1830 only)
