Manchester Victoria modernisation

[bluenoxid]

We are still on railways in the North West

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

I think this thread went the tiniest bit offtopic....

This always happens with associated subjects that are closely connected to the orginal thread query. With regard to the Manchester Victoria modernisation (original thread matter), the loss of the route past Red Bank due to the expansion of the Manchester Metrolink system and the continuation onwards to Thorpes Bridge junction would have lost an opportunity for a faster departure timings on the Calder Valley services with the demise of Miles Platting station. Unfortunately, the departures from the terminal platforms 1 and 2, would totally rule out the use of that route.

A service from Liverpool to Bradford/Leeds using a path through the through platforms would make a reason for running a semi-fast service that would give another trans-Pennine link, as an aid to the regional regeneration of both areas.

 

[WatcherZero]

Yes, however the threads about the new roof and new concourse retail tier so talking about new services in a different county IS off topic.

Preston - Mill Hill - Blackburn - Colne

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

Yes, however the threads about the new roof and new concourse retail tier so talking about new services in a different county IS off topic.

I think that the off-topic on this thread occurred when one contributor accidentally entered the wrong name of the station which led to a discussion appertaining to the point that he was making, MYSELF INCLUDED, rather than opening a new thread to carry out that developed point. Previous postings were talking of the Ordsall Chord matters which would affect the area in general, but Manchester Victoria is still part of these discussions.

But the discussion worthyness of a semi-fast Liverpool - Manchester Victoria - Bradford/Leeds service is definately worthy of entering on this thread, as it uses the through platforms at Manchester Victoria. I was remarking on the demise of the through route via Red Bank, due to the Manchester Metrolink, which is even worse for operational running now that Miles Platting station no longer exists.
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To go back to the subject of Manchester Victoria station, the Northern Hub proposals talk of major improvements there to make it a major interchange station with vastly improved facilities for passengers. Does anyone know exactly what these improved facilities entail? I know that the grade II listed status has to be understood, but this did not stop the interior development of the Triangle (the former Corn Exchange) which is very near to the station, having high-grade stores inside.

 

[WatcherZero]

Western facing bay platforms (Two I think it was though could have been three) together with new roof and renovation. Renovation involves general improvements in appearance to its Victorian heritage, a new tiered retail concourse, realignment of the Arena station entrance steps, trying to lease the upper levels of the station building as commercial office space and finally improvements to the facilities like the domed station bar and toilets. The station roof project will also include passive provision (I.e. enough room underneath for) the possible increasing of Metrolink platforms to three or four by 2016 in the 2cc project.

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

Western facing bay platforms (Two I think it was though could have been three) together with new roof and renovation. Renovation involves general improvements in appearance to its Victorian heritage, a new tiered retail concourse, realignment of the Arena station entrance steps, trying to lease the upper levels of the station building as commercial office space and finally improvements to the facilities like the domed station bar and toilets. The station roof project will also include passive provision (I.e. enough room underneath for) the possible increasing of Metrolink platforms to three or four by 2016 in the 2cc project.

Thank you for clarifying this point. Does the document say exactly where that the new western-facing platforms are to be situated? I have not had sight of the full document...only what I have picked up from threads or in the rail magazines. I have written to National Rail asking for a copy.

 

[Nym]

Not to my knowlage, although I've seen hints of them being to the North of the approaches, but I personally suspect the're going to be on the former campus of Exchange.

 

[WatcherZero]

Those are the most likely spots, the document itself never specified where they might put them.

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

Those are the most likely spots, the document itself never specified where they might put them.

I know that this is a geographical and geological point, but are there now any difficulties in using the former site of Manchester Exchange station to site these new west-facing platforms or would the area on which they will be built need completely new foundations? I remember reading a geological study many years ago concerning the Salford side of the banks of the River Irwell in that area as having large caves used for storage in the rock substrate.

I wondered about this at the time (1960) and I remember writing to British Railways at their offices at Hunts Bank. I received a brief reply stating that their records showed no need of such reinforcings of the area immediately under Manchester Exchange station.

I wonder if these caves were infilled at the time of construction of Manchester Exchange station?

 

[WatcherZero]

Ive not heard anything like that, there are cellars which had loading access all along the river/canal banks that have been blocked off or sealed over the years.

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

There has just been a new thread posted about the proposals for a WEST-FACING Todmorden Curve on this Infrastructure forum. This could see new passenger services from North Lancashire using this proposed link into the east facing bays at Manchester Victoria or even as through services via the Ordsall Chord to Manchester Airport.

 

[Prodigy]

I have never been a big fan of Victoria Station, and while I am all for it keeping it's rustic look, certain parts do need modernizing and updating not just the roof.... Compared to picadilly, the station is awful, I don't know what to pin point it to but I always feel unsafe when using this station at night whereas I'm fine in Picadilly. I think the Station needs a lot more seats for one, as well as better lighting as the current lighting is off putting an dull, this may be down to the awful paint job which doesn't reflect the lights well. Trolleys could be introduced. Also this sounds stupid but is there anywhere in the male toilets to go for a number 2? I've never found it and the urinals are really close together and uncomfortable. Lack of eating and shopping places is also apparent to me, Manchester Victoria will never get a London service if it keeps on like this.

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

May I welcome you as a new member to the forum.

As you can see, there have been numerous postings on this thread, which should convey the feelings of forum members, if you take the time to read them all. The recent documentation published has predicted a long overdue updating of Manchester Victoria station, including station facilities, as part of the Ordsall Chord documentation.

I do sympathasize with you over the existing male toilet facilities, which would not be out of place in the Democratic Republic of Congo.