26.03.08
Praise for station’s £5 million transformation
Passengers at Salford Central train station have praised its recent £5 million transformation and asked for more of the same in the future.
In a survey carried out by Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE), over 90% of people said they were either fairly or very satisfied with the overall changes. And nearly 95% were impressed with the new entrance hall at the station.
Passengers were also asked what one improvement they would like to see at Salford Central in the future. 29% said they want better waiting areas on the platforms, 19% want the height of the platforms to be raised, and 16% want improved information. Other suggestions included improving the toilets, café and ramps.
Paul Griffiths, GMPTE’s Projects Director, said: “The £5 million transformation of Salford Central is just the start of our plans for the station and I’m pleased that passengers think we’re on the right track.
“We’ve already built a new entrance hall and ticket office, installed ramps, lifts, a public address system, customer information screens and CCTV, and upgraded taxi and bus facilities.
“We’ll now work with Network Rail, Salford City Council and Central Salford Urban Regeneration Company on proposals to upgrade the platforms and improve links to the surrounding area.”
The Secretary of State for Transport, Ruth Kelly MP, officially reopened Salford Central last month to mark the completion of its £5 million transformation. Nearly 500 square metres of glass has been used to create a striking new entrance hall and the Victorian brickwork inside the building has also been uncovered and restored.
GMPTE interviewed more than 100 passengers at the station, which is on the border between Manchester and Salford, to find out what people think about the changes and what improvements they would like to see in the future.
The station is within easy walking distance of both Manchester City Centre and the Spinningfields business district – the new base for major financial companies, including the Royal Bank of Scotland and Deloitte.
Central Salford Urban Regeneration Company has brought together Salford City Council, the North West Regional Development Agency and English Partnerships to transform the city.
More than £100 million has been invested on projects near Salford Central in the past few years. Nearby regeneration schemes have included the People’s History Museum, the Lowry Hotel, Chapel Wharf and The Edge. The eight railway arches on Chapel Street have also been refurbished.
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