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European funding aids Metrolink tram stop transformation

Posted: 18 September 2015 | Katie Sadler, Digital Content Producer, Intelligent Transport

Deansgate-Castlefield Metrolink stop has been transformed thanks to funding from a major European grant. The Deansgate-Castlefield Metrolink stop reopened on 18 September 2015 following considerable expansion work funded by a major European grant. The investment paved the wave for a brand new line of tram track, two new platforms and two sets of stairs which […]

European funding aids Metrolink stop transformation

Afzal Khan, MEP for the North West and Councillor Andrew Fender, Chair of the TfGM Committee

Deansgate-Castlefield Metrolink stop has been transformed thanks to funding from a major European grant.

European funding aids Metrolink stop transformation

Afzal Khan, MEP for the North West and Councillor Andrew Fender, Chair of the TfGM Committee

The Deansgate-Castlefield Metrolink stop reopened on 18 September 2015 following considerable expansion work funded by a major European grant. The investment paved the wave for a brand new line of tram track, two new platforms and two sets of stairs which link to Deansgate train station by a newly modernised pedestrian bridge.

Metrolink stop part-funded by a £10.8 million European Regional Development Fund

The work has been part-funded by a £10.8 million grant from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), following a successful funding bid by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM).

The grant is also helping fast-track the first stage of Metrolink’s Second City Crossing (2CC) line through the city, including a new stop at Exchange Square. It is hoped the new line will allow for a more frequent, reliable tram services to help meet growing demand. Trams are expected to run from Victoria to Exchange Square towards the end of the year with the rest of the 2CC line opening in 2017.

European funding aids Metrolink stop transformation

Councillor Andrew Fender, Chair of the TfGM Committee, said: “The new-look Deansgate-Castlefield stop is now among the busiest on the tram network and has been a great hit with passengers.

“It has already played a key role during the closure of the St Peter’s Square stop, as the two new track turn-backs meant we could use it as the start and end point for hundreds of thousands of passenger journeys over the summer.

“It’s a great example of European funding in action, allowing us to realise some of the many benefits of Metrolink’s transformational Second City Crossing a lot sooner.”

European funding aids Metrolink stop transformation

Afzal Khan, MEP for the North West, said: “The transformation of the Deansgate-Castlefield Metrolink stop is a fantastic boost for commuters and further evidence of the huge benefits EU membership brings to Manchester and the region.   

“The new Metrolink stop is just one of over 200 projects across the North West funded by the EU Development Fund, many of which couldn’t have gone ahead without European funding. It’s great to see this money is being put to good use, providing a fantastic facility for the city.”

Further information on the 2CC programme can be found here.