METROLINK is on the move again with new plans to spread the network across Greater Manchester.
The new Metrolink route will run from the Pomona stop along the Manchester Ship Canal, following Trafford Wharf Road, Warren Bruce Road and through the village area of Trafford Park. It will then cross Park Circle and the Bridgewater Canal and terminate at the Trafford Centre.
They want your thoughts.
Transport for Greater Manchester are set to involve the public in the decision making process for the proposed new line to Trafford Park and the Trafford Centre.
The Trafford Centre's taste in exotic lamps is...er...distinctive. But my 2019 they might be accessible by tram
Public consultation on improving transport links to Trafford Park is due to open this summer following a TfGM committee approval meeting on Friday 20 June. If agreed, public consultation will run for twelve weeks from Friday 4 July.
The twelve weeks of consultation will be held at a dozen public venues on the route as well as business events and one-to-one visits. Feedback will be used to finalise the scheme ahead of submitting an application to the government for a Transport and Works Act Order to construct and operate the new line.
The new Metrolink route will run from the Pomona stop
Six new stations are planned for key destinations: Wharfside for Old Trafford, Imperial War Museum North, Trafford Park Village, Parkway, EventCity and the Trafford Centre.
The new line is proposed to be finished by 2019. However, this timescale is subject to funding and the necessary powers.
The new Metrolink route will run from the Pomona stop along the Manchester Ship Canal, following Trafford Wharf Road, Warren Bruce Road and through the village area of Trafford Park. It will then cross Park Circle and the Bridgewater Canal and terminate at the Trafford Centre.
The new line would serve more than 1,300 businesses and 35,000 jobs at Trafford Park alone. Further regeneration and economic growth in the area is expected including the new emerging media industry in the Trafford Wharfside area.
Imperial War Museum North
"Taking Metrolink to Trafford Park has long been an investment priority for Greater Manchester and we're making real inroads towards making that a reality," said Peter Cushing, Metrolink Director at Transport for Greater Manchester.
He continued: "Trafford Park is the largest major employment centre outside the city centre, with employees travelling from across the region. The new Metrolink line would vastly improve sustainable transport links to the area and give more people across Greater Manchester better access to jobs and leisure.
"Feedback from businesses and the wider public will be crucial in helping us to finalise the scheme ahead of applying for government powers later this year."
The proposed cost for the new route is £350 million and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) are actively seeking funding opportunities with the government.
So far the GMCA have initially approved £37 million of funding to begin work. This includes ten new trams to serve the line costing £2 million per vehicle.
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Comment - Excellent news for Manchester
If we can lose all the 'ifs' (if we can secure the money being the biggy) then this is excellent news.
The more Metrolink lines, the more the infrastructure develops. Good infrastructure is one of the hallmarks of a successful city.
Of course this line would be odd in that it's a spur that cunningly avoids all residential areas. But it does link employment heavy Trafford Park with the city centre. It also helps visitors and staff travelling to the Imperial War Museum North, to MUFC or the ITV part of MediaCityUK.
But the big prize is linking The Trafford Centre to the City Centre via a smooth and comfortable modern transport system. People will be able to park for free at The Trafford Centre and scoot into the city thus immeasurably beefing up their entertainment and food and drink options. There'd be feedback the other way too.
What is clear is that the Metrolink service gives the areas it touches a boost.
I use the tram from Firswood and the only real issue is how busy it gets with commuters from Chorlton and Didsbury. It doesn't break down half as frequently as people would have you believe and is a tremendous asset, although it does have enough problems to cause irritation.
Similarly the lines to Rochdale and Ashton will in time prove their worth. As far as Metrolink lines are concerned - within reason - the more the merrier.
Jonathan Schofield
