New look St Peter’s Square tram stop now open and has just welcomed its first commuters

They say that good things come to those who wait.  To prove it’s true, a daytime commuter service has run through St Peter’s Square for the first time in nine weeks following Transport for Greater Manchester’s 14-month project to build the new stop.

The re-opening of the stop also signifies the return of twin track services through the square and north-south cross city tram links. Daytime services on the East Didsbury line have already increased from every 12 to every six minutes, while the original Altrincham – Bury line route has also been restored.

Services recommenced on Sunday 28 August following a thorough testing and commissioning process after Metrolink contractor M-Pact Thales handed over the worksite to the Metrolink operator.

The new look stop is much bigger and has been moved towards the northern end of the square, near the relocated cenotaph. It has two new island platforms and two sets of twin track and will allow more frequent and reliable tram services to run through the city and across the tram network when the Second City Crossing opens next year.

More than 20 trees have been planted throughout the square during construction work including four on the stop itself.

Services are now running on the revamped original city crossing along Mosley Street. Finishing works are continuing around the stop and the square area, and to connect with the new Second City Crossing line currently under construction along Princess Street.

Further finishing works for the Second City Crossing will be undertaken around the stop and the square. TfGM Committee Chair Councillor Andrew Fender has promised that, once complete, St Peter’s Square will be ‘the jewel in Manchester’s crown.’

When the new city crossing opens through to the Exchange Square stop next year, the expanded St Peter’s Square stop will allow more frequent and reliable services to run through the city.