Rochdale transport leader welcomes plans for Victoria station

Date published: 15 June 2007

The Vice Chairman and Rochdale spokesperson for Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority, Councillor Allen Brett, has welcomed plans for a multi-million pound transformation of Manchester Victoria.

Councillor Brett said: "Manchester Victoria desperately needs to be brought into the twenty-first century and I’ve been calling for this investment for some time. I’m delighted Network Rail has now reached the stage where it can select a preferred bidder for the contract to transform it.

"Passengers make more than 900,000 journeys to and from Manchester Victoria every year, making it one of the most used stations in the North West. I’m sure people in Rochdale who travel to and from the station will appreciate this investment, and particularly the decision to upgrade the station roof."

Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority will work with Network Rail to develop proposals for the station roof and concourse at Manchester Victoria, as part of the wider plans to regenerate the surrounding area.

A multi-million pound project, funded by the Passenger Transport Authority, to replace worn-out track on the Metrolink line between Bury and Manchester Victoria is currently taking place. When the work is finished, tram journeys to and from Victoria will be smoother, quieter and more reliable.

Network Rail has selected Amec Developments Ltd amp; Morley Fund Management as its preferred bidder to prepare detailed designs for the station and surrounding area.