Technical Assistant
AJ Handley-Rowe -
10th November 2021
AJ Handley-Rowe -
10th November 2021 TfGM issues statement as ‘essential’ work begins on three major Metrolink lines across Greater Manchester
Emily Sergeant
Passengers are being urged to plan ahead as no trams will be running on three major Greater Manchester lines for the next two weeks.
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has now issued a statement on the ‘essential’ works being carried out.
If you need bringing up to speed a little, as part of the ongoing £150m investment into Greater Manchester’s tram network, essential improvement work is being carried out on three major Metrolink lines across the region in a bid to make the network ‘safer’ and ‘more resilient and reliable for passengers’ for years to come.
This means that from today (Monday 19 October) through to Sunday 1 November, tram improvement works will take place at Deansgate-Castlefield, and Trafford Bar.
Additional works will also take place in the city centre during this time, allowing TfGM to keep closures of the tram network to a minimum.
ADVERTISEMENT
During the dates above, no trams will run on the Altrincham, Trafford Centre, and Eccles lines.
A number of shuttle bus services will the running over the course of the two-week closure, however – with services arriving every 10 or 15 minutes, depending on the line, and you can find a full list of these here.
ADVERTISEMENT
But despite the alternative services, widespread disruption is still expected for hundreds of people.
TfGM has issued a statement on the works being carried out, and offered support to anyone who may need it: “This is essential work that will help keep our tram network safe, reliable and fit for the future. We’re sorry for the disruption and we’ll be doing everything we can to make sure people can still get around while it’s taking place.
“We’ve listened carefully to feedback from customers during previous closures and have introduced more direct shuttle buses between key locations and extra buses on local Bee Network routes.
“If you use any of the affected lines, now is the time to check your travel plans.
Read more:
- No trams to run on THREE major Greater Manchester lines for two weeks this month
- TfGM unveils ‘significant’ programme of Metrolink engineering works to run throughout 2026
- Plans proposed to build ‘modern’ underground train station at Manchester Piccadilly
“We’d encourage everyone to visit the Bee Network website or app before travelling so they can see the options available to them and allow extra time where necessary.”
Services will resume on these lines from start of service on Monday 2 November.
However there will be some minor route changes through the city centre in place from Monday 2 to Wednesday 4 November, so it’s important to check your journey before you travel.
Featured Image – TfGM
A spectacular Chinese garden has opened at RHS Bridgewater, and it’s a must-visit
Daisy Jackson
RHS Bridgewater has opened the Yangzhou Scholars’ Garden, the centrepiece of a spectacular Chinese garden.
At seven acres, the Chinese Streamside Garden is the largest, most comprehensive, and most authentic classical Chinese garden in all of Europe.
It’s taken more than eight years to complete, and has utilised landscape architects and specialist craftspeople from China, using traditional techniques rarely seen outside the country.
This has been combined with the contemporary British garden setting of RHS Bridgewater to create a new must-visit attraction in Greater Manchester.
It’s also be designed to be as beautiful in each season as the last, with spring magnolias and cherry blossom, all the way through to dazzling autumn colours from acers and gingkos.
The Chinese garden is the result of an ambitious international collaboration of fundraising, design and craftsmanship between Yangzhou City, China Flower Association, Yangzhou Classical Garden Construction Company*, the City of Salford, Greater Manchester’s Chinese community and the RHS.
Inspiration comes from the historic scholars’ gardens of Yangzhou in Jiangsu province in East China, embodying the classical Chinese principle that gardens are places of philosophy, learning, reflection and seasonal observation.
The landscape features rock, water, planting, and timber structures, with each step revealing new views and perspectives.
There are four interconnected pavilions surrounding a courtyard and pond, each dedicated to one of the four traditional scholarly arts – chess, music, calligraphy and painting.
Key features include traditional hand-crafted mortise-and-tenon joinery, Chinese Fir timber sourced from FSC-certified forests, kiln-fired tiles and handmade brickwork from China, intricate stone carvings, and detailed stone mosaic and poetic inscriptions.
More than 200 trees and shrubs representing 56 species and cultivars have been selected for their seasonal beauty and cultural significance, with planting conveying traditional messages of good luck, health, happiness and love.
Marcus Chilton-Jones, Head of RHS Garden Bridgewater explained: “The opening of the Yangzhou Scholars’ Garden is a landmark moment for RHS Garden Bridgewater, for Greater Manchester and the UK.
“This remarkable international collaboration has created not only a beautiful garden, but a lasting symbol of friendship, cultural exchange and shared learning.”
Tracy Snell, Curator at RHS Garden Bridgewater said: “It’s a garden full of meaning and intricacies.
“Importantly, it can be enjoyed throughout the seasons – from spring magnolias and cherry blossom to restful summer greens and the vibrant autumn colour of acers, ginkgos and euonymus.
“Chinese scholars’ gardens were created as places to slow down, reflect and reconnect with nature.
“Visitors will discover something new around every corner, and I can’t wait for people to experience the sense of calm and wonder the garden creates.”
Mr Gerry Yeung, Chinese Streamside Garden Founding Committee member added: “The opening of the Yangzhou Scholars’ Garden is a proud and historic moment for everyone who has helped bring this vision to life and the result of many years of dedication, generosity and shared ambition from people in both China and Greater Manchester.
“We hope visitors will enjoy discovering this special place and, through it, gain a deeper appreciation of the rich traditions, artistry and values that have inspired Chinese gardens for centuries.”
Read more
- The Peak District stroll named one of the UK’s most beautiful autumn walks
- The best Halloween events around Greater Manchester
- The surprisingly luxurious caravan park that’s the perfect place for a Peak District getaway
Featured image: The Manc Group
More
Audio
Clint Boon takes us around Manchester's iconic Deaf Institute
Eats