Manchester Victoria officially reopened following £44m upgrade

Manchester Victoria station has officially reopened this morning (October 6) after undergoing a £44m revamp.

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin was present to unveil the station’s new look, which came as part of a £1bn investment programme targeting rail facilities across the North.

Speaking at the event, Mr McLoughlin said: “I want to congratulate everyone involved in this remarkable project. It’s fantastic to see Manchester Victoria once again a station fit for the city.

“It’s now a symbol of opportunity, not neglect, and proof that this one nation government is building the Northern Powerhouse.”

Commenting further, the Transport Secretary said that the benefits of increased investment across the North are already showing. The North West, he explained, has 71k more businesses than in 2010.

Mr Mcloughlin continued: “The North is receiving a wave of investment in its transport infrastructure on a scale not seen for generations, with £4.5bn in the North West alone.”

“[It is] a clear sign our long-term plan to secure a stronger, healthier economy is working.”

As part of the improvements, a new 8,500 sq m roof has been installed to improve the station’s natural lighting, as well as a 60m bridge that links the station with Manchester Arena. New shops and cafes have also moved in, with additional retail space in the station’s mezzanine area.

Further, four new tram platforms and three new tracks have been built to incorporate the expansion of Manchester’s Metrolink tram system.

The station remained open while Network Rail delivered the upgrade.

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

“It is a key part of our £1bn programme to modernise the railway for the whole of the north of England.”

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