News

Bolton Railway Station’s £2.6 million refurbishment is finally complete

A huge redevelopment of Bolton Railway Station has finally been completed after £2.6 million was injected into the iconic location.

The Manc The Manc - 24th December 2020
Northern

A huge redevelopment of Bolton Railway Station has finally been completed after £2.6 million was injected into the iconic location.

The station has been fitted with new waiting rooms and toilets, with its customers and staff also getting new seating and pigeon netting to ‘aid cleanliness’. There has also been an injection of new signage across the station.

Large rooms on platforms four and five, according to Northern, have been restored for ‘innovative community and educational projects’, as well as retail facilities for travellers.

A full gallery programme is also set to start in 2021 – once COVID-19 restrictions loosen – in the Platform 5 Gallery.

Chris Jackson, Regional Director at Northern, said: “These fantastic improvements at Bolton station are part of the programme of transformation we are undertaking at stations across our network. This means that, wherever you travel on a Northern train, you will enjoy a better journey than ever before.

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“I would like to thank everyone who has been involved in the project – it has truly been a team effort and will benefit everyone, customers and staff alike.”

Around £2.6 million was invested into the station’s refurbishment by Network Rail, Northern, Bolton and South Lancashire Community Rail Partnership and the Station Partnership.

It is now open for all to enjoy.

News

No trams to run on major Metrolink line as ‘essential’ work to repair Victorian-era tunnel starts this weekend

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant A Metrolink tram in Manchester city centre

Travel disruption is expected across the next couple of weeks as ‘essential engineering’ work begins on a major Metrolink line.

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has confirmed that a reduced service will run on the Bury line this weekend, as work to replace ‘defective’ beams supporting the roof at Whitefield Tunnel means that no trams will run between Crumpsall and Bury on Saturday (10 May), or between Whitefield and Bury on Sunday (11 May).

Some weekend and overnight working is said to be ‘necessary’ to secure and protect the overhead line equipment, so that the beam replacement work can be completed as ‘safely and quickly as possible’, according to TfGM.

A crane is planned to be in use for the beam replacement work at times.

Closures on the line from this weekend come after the successful completion of preparatory work at the site, following the discovery of a defective beam.

No trams will run on a major Metrolink line as ‘essential’ work to repair Victorian-era tunnel starts this weekend / Credit: TfGM

As well as the suspension on services this weekend, as mentioned above, several other chances throughout this month and into the next on the Bury line are also to be expected.

No tram services will operate between Crumpsall and Bury on Sunday 25 May, and no again from Friday 30 May to Sunday 1 June, while no trams will run between Whitefield and Bury from Monday 26 to Thursday 29 May.

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For the duration of all closures, replacement bus services will run between the affected stops on all the above dates.

Any so-called ‘noisier’ work is set to take place during daytime and evening working hours where possible, and several noise reduction measures – such as acoustic blankets and enclosures – also to be put in place during this.

As always, the Greater Manchester public is being advised to ‘plan ahead’ if they are travelling.

“Whitefield Tunnel dates back to the 19th century,” explained Ian Davies, who is TfGM’s Network Director for Metrolink, “and this essential work will ensure tram services can continue to safely pass through it for decades to come.

“This is a complex job, but we will do everything we can to minimise disruption to passengers, residents and businesses.”

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He added: “I would encourage people who use the Bury line to plan ahead and check the Bee Network website, app, and social media channels for the most up-to-date travel information.”

Find out the latest on the TfGM website here.

Featured Image – Janus Boye

News

AO Arena to host huge Europa League Final fan zone after Manchester United victory

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson

Manchester’s legendary AO Arena will once again host an almighty football fan zone later this year, welcoming in fans for the Europa League Final.

The huge venue previously hosted a Road to Victory fan zone for the Euros, and is now ready to replicate all the atmosphere and excitement of the beautiful game once again.

This time it’s in honour of Manchester United, who romped their way into the Europa League Final this evening with a spectacular 4-1 victory (7-1 on aggregate) over Athletic Club.

The Red Devils will be heading to that same team’s home stadium of San Mamés in Bilbao in Spain on 21 May 2025, and you’ll be able to watch all the action right here at home in Manchester.

The AO Arena Europa League Final Screening & Fan Zone will be presented by Red Square.

If you think that name rings a bell, you’re right: they’re the same folks behind the regular events held over at Victoria Warehouse for any big United games, and 21 May will be no different – other than being arguably their biggest date ever.

There’ll be space for thousands upon thousands of football fans who’ll be able to watch Ruben Amorim’s side potentially take home their first piece of silverware since his arrival.

And, of course, a spot in the UEFA Champions League.

If you saw the scenes at Road to Victory in the AO during Euro 2024, you’ll know how unbelievable a venue this is to watch the footy.

As the promoters have billed it: “Get ready to immerse yourself in the electrifying atmosphere of the Europa League Final, presented by Red Square.

“Join us for an unforgettable event as we bring together passionate Manchester United fans for the largest indoor fan park extravaganza ever witnessed!​​​​

“MANCHESTER UNITED head to the UEL final on Wednesday, 21st May – Secure your tickets now!”

The Europa League Final Screening & Fan Zone will be at the AO Arena on 21 May.

You can book your spot HERE.

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Featured Images — The Manc Group

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