05.08.13
Manchester Victoria station roof to be dismantled
Upgrade works are progressing at Victoria station, with the old roof to be demolished this summer. Network Rail is investing £44m to revamp the station, including a new roof made from the same material as the Eden Project.
Four sections of the roof will be replaced, and the redevelopment will also see improvements to the footbridge, refurbished parts of Victoria buildings, new lighting, improved retail spaces and an upgraded connection to Metrolink.
Dyan Crowther, Network Rail route managing director said: “Rebuilding Manchester Victoria is an integral part of our investment plans for the North which will help provide over £4bn worth of wider economic benefits to the region. The refurbished station will be safer, brighter and more spacious and will transform Victoria into a transport interchange able to cope with the expected increase in passenger numbers in the north.”
Lee Wasnidge, area director for Northern Rail said: “As the old roof is dismantled and a new Manchester Victoria starts to appear, our customers will be able to see the station transform before them. This refurbishment project will not only help provide additional rail capacity to the city but will also preserve the heritage of the station while providing a bright and modern environment for our customers.”
Cllr Andrew Fender, chair of the Transport for Greater Manchester Committee, said: “The new roof for Victoria is one of the most striking changes being made and something that regular passengers will no doubt welcome with open arms. It’s key to the transformation of the station to a welcoming, world class facility and I very much look forward to its completion.”
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