Network Rail and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) have announced a new partnership to deliver a joint vision for Manchester and Salford’s central railway stations.
The first-of-its-kind agreement between the two organisations is being viewed as a major step forward in bringing together both land and infrastructure.
Part of the agreement will see Network Rail and TfGM working with key stakeholders to develop regeneration projects and opportunities at Greater Manchester stations.
Statistics show that Manchester is the fastest-growing metropolitan area in the UK and is predicted to grow to around 2,950,000 people by 2031, with the City of Manchester alone accounting for 36% of the growth.
Network Rail own over 90% of the stations within the region and over 5 million journeys are made each day across the TfGM network. Therefore, the partnership will be focusing on upgrades and supporting regeneration.
Commenting on the announcement, Peter, Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill CBE, chair of Network Rail said: “This is a landmark moment for Manchester and Salford, to see our two organisations build a partnership team to make the best of our resources and expertise. Working jointly with the Local Authorities we are putting passengers and rail services at the forefront of infrastructure investment and wider neighbourhood improvements.”
Over the next 12 months the two organisations will work with key stakeholders and future partners on proposals across six stations: Manchester Piccadilly, Manchester Victoria, Manchester Oxford Road, Deansgate, Salford Central and Salford Crescent.
The agreement will establish shared key goals which are:
- Integrated transport system: Deliver a modern, integrated transport system.
- Development around stations: Take a joined-up approach to securing additional funding and maximising commercial development opportunities around the stations and assets
- Development around stations: Take a joined-up approach to securing additional funding and maximising commercial development opportunities around the stations and assets
- Placemaking: Consider each station within the community, heritage, and cultural context to ensure wider social value is delivered
- Towards Net Zero Carbon: Ensure Climate Change and the journey to Net Zero is a key focus and is a priority for strategic decisions to support the stations
- Access for all: Improve accessibility for inside and around the stations and deliver ease of movement between the stations and the wider city.”
Vernon Everitt, transport commissioner for Greater Manchester, added: “The ever-changing skylines across Salford and Manchester city centres reflect the extent to which Greater Manchester is growing.
“As we deliver our Bee Network plans for a truly integrated network, it is vital our rail stations – and surrounding areas – evolve to meet these demands, and this new partnership signifies our joint commitment alongside Manchester and Salford districts to delivering a modernised railway that puts passengers and local communities at its heart.”
On the latest episode of the Rail Technology Magazine Podcast, we speak to Danny Vaughan, Head of Metrolink about how the network is changing, and how it is delivering for its passengers. Listen now
Photo Credit: Network Rail
Want to know more about the opportunities to become a key supplier to the UK rail industry? Attend TransCityRail and access an exclusive marketplace of buyers from Network Rail, HS2, Train Operators, Major Contractors, and all other tiers of the supply chain. For more information and to secure your place click here.
