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Thursday 14 Mar 2024

Passengers advised to allow extra travel time at Manchester Piccadilly during temporary lounge closure

Region & Route:

North West & Central: North West

From 3 April, passengers are being urged to allow extra travel time when using Piccadilly’s platforms 13 and 14, while the satellite lounge is closed for upgrades.

The welcome revamp will deliver:

• Two new retail units
• New seating throughout the lounge
• More charging points for phones and laptops
• A dedicated accessible waiting area
• Upgraded toilets
• New floor tiles and a fresh look

The lounge needs to close so the team can complete the upgrades swiftly and safely.

From 3 April, passengers will be directed to an alternative route to access platforms 13 and 14.

Scott Green, head of route stations said: “I’m sorry for the inconvenience closing the satellite lounge may cause for our passengers. The closure is essential to deliver these much-needed improvements as quickly as possible.

“Once complete, the revitalised lounge will offer greater comfort, capacity and convenience. We thank passengers for their patience and understanding as we carry out this work.”

The lounge is scheduled to reopen by the end of May. Until then, the alternative route to platforms will be clearly signposted. Step-free access will be available via the lift on platform 10, leading to the bridge for platforms 13 and 14.

Craig Harrop, regional director for Northern in the North West, said: “We would like to thank our customers in advance for their patience while the lounge is closed for these important upgrades.

“Please allow extra time for your journey if you are travelling from these platforms while the work is being carried out.

“We welcome this £1.67 million investment from Network Rail and the benefits it will bring to the customer experience at Manchester Piccadilly.”

Kathryn O'Brien, customer experience director at TransPennine Express, said: “This work will enhance the satellite lounge for customers at Manchester Piccadilly, and I’d like to thank everyone involved in the project.

“Our customers are advised to allow extra time when using Piccadilly’s platforms 13 and 14 for our services as there will be an alternative access route in place while work is carried out.”

Simon Elliott, head of rail at Transport for Greater Manchester, said: “We are committed to working with our partners to improve the customer experience and accessibility at rail stations across the city region.

“The new facilities will make it a more pleasant environment for passengers using the satellite lounge, including an accessible waiting area and enhanced retail offering. Every effort will be made to minimise disruption to those using the station, and we'd like to thank passengers for their patience while these important works take place.” 

During the work, the lift on Fairfield Street and lounge toilet facilities will be temporarily unavailable.