Going underground: The Manchester travel tunnel from Piccadilly to Victoria that never was
For more than ten years, Manchester was preparing an underground network that would reconnect the city in exciting, imaginative new ways. But then, the money stopped.
“We are going to face the difficult decision of whether or not we need to mothball the Metrolink.”
It’s April 2020, and the Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham is issuing a warning.
Almost the entire city is indoors, and the only thing travelling through it is COVID-19.
Losing millions of pounds each month, the Metrolink is at real risk of closure. The travel landscape of Manchester could be set to change forever.
Fast-forward four months, and the yellow trams are merrily tooting and weaving through the borough like nothing ever happened. If it wasn’t for all the occupants wearing masks, you wouldn’t know the difference.
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It’d be easy to say all that big panic about the Metrolink shutting in spring was over-the-top.
Only, it wasn’t.
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Transport networks in Manchester have collapsed before.
Wikimedia Commons
In spring, Manchester’s light rail system was ultimately been bailed out by Government money, ensuring its survival (at least for the short-term).
But history teaches us that if money does not trickle down from the top, local transport must remain in park.
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A perfect case in point is the Picc-Vic Tunnel project that infamously collapsed during the 1970s.
For more than ten years, the city was preparing an underground network that would reconnect the north and south sides of the city in an imaginative new way.
The subterranean route was all set to run on 2.3 miles of track, with trains running less than three minutes apart, passing below key landmarks and stopping at newly-built stations at Market Street, Cross Street, Whitworth Street and Manchester Central Library.
Albert Square was going to be redesigned, with a concourse below and a travelator link to Oxford Road railway station.
There was also talk of moving walkways and escalators within the system.
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All in all, the project would have cost around £100m (in today’s terms).
Wikipedia
But then, the money stopped.
In summer 1973, Transport Minister John Peyton pulled the plug.
There would be no grant, and therefore no way for the scheme to proceed.
Despite years of strategising, and initial Government green light, the Picc-Vic Tunnel was a victim of circumstance – rejected due to political problems and economic issues in the UK.
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It was a big blow. By this point, a small amount of construction had even begun.
UoM academics Martin Dodge and Richard Brook found a gaping hole below the Arndale Centre several years ago; the remains of the underground rail that had to be abandoned.
The pair outline the story of the Picc-Vic scheme in wonderful, vivid detail in an online presentation.
Amazing graphics from the early 1970s showing the proposed Picc-Vic project and potential Central Station at the Town Hall/ under Central Library. Taken from this fascinating presentation prepared by Martin Dodge and Richard Brook: https://t.co/Jr59e1nbVh#rebuildingmanchesterpic.twitter.com/JFY47FVAZQ
After new attempts for funding were repeatedly refused, all work on the Picc-Vic Tunnel network stopped. But the need for a cross-city centre travel network was still there.
Shuttlebuses were a temporary solution for travel between stations. But in the 1980s, an alternative proposal emerged; a light rail system.
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This would eventually become the Greater Manchester Metrolink – opening in 1992.
“In absence of that [government] support, we are forced into a corner,” said Mayor Burnham when discussing the future of the Metrolink earlier this year.
The people who spent years of their life developing the forgotten Picc-Vic project will testify to that.
Feature
Lantern Pike – the countryside walk with amazing views, an old railway line, and a great pub at the end
Daisy Jackson
If you’re looking for a country walk that’s got a bit of everything – we’re talking views, lakes, history, picturesque villages and, crucially, pints – this is the one.
Step across the Greater Manchester border into High Peak, and you can take on a circular walk that’s got it all.
The walk takes in all the best bits of the English countryside, from rolling hills to proper pubs.
Park in the village of Hayfield, with an optional stop at Marmalade Coffee Shop for a bacon sandwich and some caffeine.
Then head out west to join the Sett Valley Trail, which joins Hayfield and New Mills.
The trail itself is 2.5 miles and follows a former railway line – but now it’s a tree-lined trail that’s perfect for a gentle stroll, cycle or even horse ride.
Lantern Pike in the Peak District. Credit: The Manc GroupLantern Pike in the Peak District. Credit: The Manc Group
You’ll pass the Birch Vale reservoir, but won’t be following the trail all the way to New Mills.
Instead, turn off to the right to cross the River Sett and walk towards Sitch Lane.
The road will take you to the very edge of the Peak District ready for an uphill climb to the peak of Lantern Pike.
It’s not a giant by Peak District standards (373m compared to Kinder Scout’s 636m) but the views are 360 degrees – fields on all sides and the incredible Manchester skyline in the distance.
Walk straight over the summit and back down the other side, passing the Lantern Pike pub (we won’t judge if you pause for a pint here), cross the road, and join Snake Path.
This will take you past Twenty Trees, which is literally a group of trees standing on its own, and back into Hayfield.
Here you’ll find The Pack Horse, a country pub that’s gained some serious accolades in the last year.
Despite a top-notch menu, the pub is more than happy to welcome in customers (and dogs) who are covered in mud – as all good countryside boozers should.
You can see a map of the circular walking route at alltrails.com.
Featured image: The Manc Group
Feature
Hairspray lands at the Palace Theatre, proving to audience members that you really can’t stop the beat
Oli Lowe
Energetic ensemble numbers, lavish costumes and stand-out performances: Hairspray welcomes everyone to the 60s in its latest tour production.
If you’re anything like me, you’ll hold very fond memories of the 2007 movie-musical version of Hairspray, a cinematic masterpiece that breathed new life into the already iconic musical. I bring this version of the show up because until last night it was my only experience of the story.
Yes, much to my shame, I had never seen a live production of the show but after coming out of the Palace Theatre last night, I can now say that Hairspray‘s latest tour production is just as fun-loving – and as free wheeling.
From start to finish, Hairspray is a vibrant, colourful, high-energy show which takes you on the journey of teenage misfit Tracey Turnblad as she deals with the struggles of pursuing her dreams, in the face of adversity and a 1960s America that seems determined to halt progression.
The entire cast gave stellar performances from leading lady Alexander Emmerson-Kirby in the role of Tracy, all the way through to the ensemble who constantly wooed me with brilliantly executed dance routines, filled to the brim with swinging-sixties dance moves.
I’d like to take a second to highlight some standout performances, which in my opinion elevated the show to new heights. Starting with Neil Hurst in the role of Edna Turnblad, Tracy’s ‘larger-than-life’ mum.
Neil was a constant comic relief throughout a show that whilst generally lighthearted does tackle some serious issues such as unrealistic female beauty standards and racial segregation.
Neil, alongside his comedic partner Dermot Canavan, gave a standout, belly-laugh performance of their duet ‘You’re Timeless To Me’. It truly had the audience in fits of laughter and lauded huge applause from the entire theatre.
On to Gina Murray as Velma Von Tussle and Michelle Ndegwa as ‘Motormouth’ Maybelle. Both gave superb renditions of their solo numbers and showcased their experience in every scene they were in.
Murray’s rendition of Miss Baltimore Crabs (still always caught off-guard by that name) was impressive, to say the least, with the performer delivering big and bold vocals, all whilst being held upside down by a group of the male cast.
Meanwhile, Michelle Ndegwa’s version of ‘I Know Where I’ve Been’ was spellbindingly beautiful. It carried with it the weight and severity of the number, all whilst delivering knock-out vocals that were filled to the brim with pain and suffering.
Hairspray Production Photos taken on 16th July 2024 in ManchesterStunning vocals all around.
Finally, a small shoutout to Reece Richards as Seaweed. Growing up (and occasionally to this day) I tried many times to stumble my way through Seaweed’s big number, ‘Run And Tell That’, and let me tell you from experience, that’s one damn hard song to sing…
Reece delivered the number expertly, all whilst dancing in a routine that even just watching, made me feel slightly exhausted. Props to Reece… One day I will nail that opening high note (I won’t).
All in all, Hairspray delights, delivering laughter, splendor, and high fuelled entertainment from start to finish – we’d consider a must-see if you’re a fan of the film, especially.
The show runs through till 27th July and with limited tickets still available, there’s no reason to not get yourself down and enjoy an evening of mesmerising, musical fun. You can grab yours HERE.
Hairspray Production Photos taken on 16 July 2024 at the Palace Theatre in ManchesterSeriously, give it a go.