Things are on the up with new lift at Metrolink stop
PLANS have been submitted to transform the Deansgate-Castlefield Metrolink stop with a modernised glass lift and new staircase.
Currently, passengers using the northern side of the tram stop face a journey through Manchester Central’s goods yard and the Great Northern Complex.
The £1million development would create a quicker and more pleasant route, with a glass lift transferring people to the ground floor, to get to the north side of the city. New landscaping could be implemented at street and platform level, if planning permission is granted.
A section of the bridge over
Great Bridgwater Street would also be removed, with its Grade Two listed archways converted into retail and leisure facilities.
Mike Mellor, head of commercial at Transport for Greater Manchester said: “Currently passengers using the northern side of the Deansgate-Castlefield tram stop face a difficult route, past Manchester Central’s goods yard and either through the Great Northern complex to Deansgate or down steps onto Windmill Street.
“The new lift and stairs will make the tram much more accessible and the new landscaping will echo the design already in place to create an integrated and really pleasant route for passengers using both the tram stop and the linked Deansgate Railway station.
“It would create the third direct pedestrian route to the tram stop and crucially be accessible for all.”
The project is being jointly funded by private developers, Ask Real Estate and Salboy.
The work will form part of a £300m development called Viadux, comprising of a 40-story residential tower and a 14-storey block of offices next to Manchester Central Convention Complex.
Viadux has been designed by Simpson Haugh and Partners who have also designed the lift, staircase and landscaping.
Simon Ismail, director of Salboy, said: “This is an important package of works, designed to create easier access to public transport for everyone and creating a distinct setting for the development through high-quality public realm.”