Manchester Victoria station was formally reopened yesterday following completion of a £44M redevelopment aimed at improving passenger experience.

 

The upgrade involved building a vast new roof – made from the same ‘ETFE’ material used at the Eden Project – as well as a refurbished and more spacious concourse, all while the station remained operational.

 

These improvements came after Manchester Victoria was labelled Britain’s ‘worst station’ in the Department for Transport’s 2009 ‘Better Stations’ report.

 

“For far too long people travelling in and out of Manchester Victoria had to make do with a tired and dark station,” said Network Rail chef executive Mark Carne. “The contrast today is remarkable. Manchester Victoria station is modern, clean and flooded with natural light; a station this great city so badly needs.”

 

The redevelopment also saw Transport for Greater Manchester and Network Rail collaborate to integrate the Metrolink tram network into the station, where there are now four new tram platforms.

 

At the reopening Network Rail route managing director Martin Frobisher formally handed the station over to Northern Rail managing director Alex Hynes, whose company will manage its day to day running.

 

Mr Hynes said: “Victoria feels like a brand new station to us and it’s a fantastic testament to a successful working partnership between ourselves, Network Rail and the City of Manchester.”

 

Manchester City Council leader Sir Richard Leese added: “With tram and train services all together under one impressive new roof, the transformed Manchester Victoria station is an example of how we’re beginning to make a difference as we work towards becoming a city with world-class transport infrastructure.”

 

(Photo: Network Rail)