Pete Waterman to relaunch Heaton Park Tramway weekend services

HEATON Park Tramway is to resume public operations in style on June 2 – when Pete Waterman will formally reopen the Manchester venue.

The pop mogul and railway enthusiast will also relaunch recently-overhauled 1901-built Stockport tram No. 5. Two former Stockport buses are also set to be in attendance, courtesy of the Greater Manchester Museum of Transport.

Afterwards, the tramway will be open at weekends – with options for further days under review.

Supporters

“We’re in a good position,” said Keith Whitmore, company chairman. “Membership is increasing, particularly among younger enthusiasts – half our members are now under the age of 30. In terms of the legacy, it’s marvellous news!

“We’re also fortunate to have had a lot of support from Metrolink and the system’s maintenance provider, Pod-Trak, which has kindly donated a cherry picker to us. Members of the park team have also assisted with the relaying of track.

“We’re now progressing our extension plans to take the tramway right across the park, enabling visitors to get off Metrolink at Heaton Park stop (the former railway station), cross the road and then board a T68 tram, ride to Lakeside and then change to a heritage tram. That would provide a whole heritage tram experience in the centre of Manchester.

Expansion

“We also have aspirations to extend Lakeside depot. No. 1007, one of our T68s, remains in store at Metrolink’s Trafford depot, while the other, No. 1023, is at Crewe Heritage Centre.

“We want to re-create a 1992 tram stop – one with an operational T68, the other as a learning classroom. We’re in discussions with the city council to help make that happen.” ➜ The tramway is selling books and memorabilia online at www.ebay. co.uk/usr/heatonparktramway