Major £10M project to renovate Salford Central Station now completed
A major £10m upgrade to deliver a better customer experience and improve accessibility at Salford Central station has been completed, making journeys easier for everyone – from disabled passengers and older people to those travelling with pushchairs or heavy luggage.
Led by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), in collaboration with Network Rail and Northern Trains, the station improvements include a new customer ticket office, accessible toilets and a covered walkway from the lift on platform 1.
The works at Salford’s largest railway station also include a new roof on the upper level of the building, improvements to the platforms and ramps, as well as more inclusive passenger information on display, such as a braille map.
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: “Rail is key to our ambition to create a transport network for a global city region in Greater Manchester, connecting people to work, education, leisure and vital public services - and driving the growth our city-region needs to fulfil its huge potential.
“The work at Salford Central forms part of our plan to bring eight commuter rail lines into the Bee Network by 2028, as we build a more inclusive and accessible public transport network.
“We’re also committed to ramping up standards, making our stations safer and more attractive place to be with 64 Greater Manchester stations joining the Bee Network by 2028, and the remaining 32 following by 2030.”
Work at Salford Crescent is also close to completion, with a third platform built as part of a Network Rail £21m investment. The building of an additional platform will improve passenger flow and reduce train delays.
Salford City Mayor, Paul Dennett, said: “This much-needed investment in our local rail network and stations is something we have worked closely with partners in the city to secure.
“The works at Salford Central will make it much easier for all passengers to use the station and improve their journeys. This is all part of our wider plans to create a fairer, greener and more inclusive city for all with access to great public transport that connects people with where they need to be.”
Julien Dehornoy, Network Rail North West & Central Deputy Regional Managing Director, said: “Our jointly funded upgrades at Salford Central are part of a wider programme to transform rail across Manchester and Salford. Working with TfGM, Northern and Salford City Council, we’ve delivered a station that’s easier to use, more accessible and ready for future growth.
"Passengers will benefit from improved facilities including a new ticket office, accessible toilets and extended platform canopies – all designed to make journeys easier and more reliable. These enhancements prepare for the Bee Network, reduce congestion at peak times and improve the overall experience for everyone who uses the station – strengthening rail’s role as the preferred choice for passengers.”
Tricia Williams, Northern’s managing director, said: “Salford Central looks fantastic and we’re confident our customers will notice some big improvements, following this £10 million redevelopment.