Media centre

Thursday 12 Apr 2018

More space for passengers on Manchester Piccadilly station platforms

Region & Route:

| North West & Central

Passengers using the busy platforms 13 and 14 at Manchester Piccadilly can look forward to more space as they wait for their train.

As part of the Great North Rail Project, the old-fashioned waiting rooms on the platforms will be removed to create more standing space for customers ahead of the timetable change on 20 May.

Liam Sumpter, regional director for Northern, said: “Platforms 13 and 14 are probably the busiest at Manchester Piccadilly and are in need of modernisation.

“I want our customers to have access to waiting areas that are fit for 2018 and platforms that provide the access to trains and the space our customers need.

“The work being carried out by Network Rail will achieve this and goes hand-in-hand with the work we are doing to modernise our trains, stations and facilities.”

Kieran Breakey, asset manager for Network Rail said: “At the moment, half of the current shelter is home to an old toilet block and retail unit which haven’t been used for nearly 20 years. This is obviously taking up a lot of space on what are already well-used platforms.

“By removing these units, it will help reduce congestion and help passengers spread out more easily.”

The old shelters will be replaced by smaller and more modern waiting rooms. These are currently being designed and will be introduced later in the year.

While the work is taking place, passengers can continue to use the waiting lounge upstairs.

Work to take down the shelters is due to start on 13 April 2018.