TRANSPORT leaders will discuss the new proposed Metrolink route to the Trafford Centre on Friday.
The Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) has already approved the initial funds to get the project ‘shovel ready’, including around £20 million for ten new trams to serve the line.
The 5.5km route will leave the existing tram stop at Pomona, from here it will run along the Ship Canal before following Trafford Wharf Road and Warren Bruce Road running through the Village area of Trafford Park.
The new route shall then cross Parkway Circle and the Bridgewater Canal before finishing up at the Trafford Centre.
While station names have not yet been decided, it is likely that there will be tram stops close to key destinations such as: Old Trafford, The Imperial War Museum, Trafford Park Village, Parkway Circle, EventCity and finally the Trafford Centre.
Trafford Centre route (from right to left): Pomona, Wharfside, IWM, Village, Parkway Circle, EventCity, Trafford Centre
Councillor Andrew Fender, Chair of the TfGM Committee, said: “This is an important step on the road to delivering this new line, which would be a fantastic addition to what is already a flagship centre for business and tourism.
“The route has evolved over time and better reflects how the area it would serve has developed – and continues to develop – since an original set of plans were approved back in 2001.
“There is a great deal of work ahead of us before we can start to think of shovels hitting the ground, but I’m really pleased that it is building momentum and I look forward to more progress being made in the coming months and years.”
The scheme shall be put forward for public consultation next year before a formal application is put to the government for the statutory powers needed to go ahead.
Securing the powers would mean that work could begin once funding has been confirmed.
The Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) has already approved the initial funds to get the project ‘shovel ready’, including around £20 million for ten new trams to serve the line.
It is estimated that construction of the new line could be completed by 2019.
This is great news for the city centre too.
People can park for free at the Trafford Centre, hop on the tram to the city centre, do the shopping, go to the theatre, take in a gallery, have a meal...enjoy the wide variety of the city.
A ghostly tram
