A small press event took place at the Heaton Park Tramway on Friday 7th December, to celebrate the commencement of work on the brand new tram depot at Lakeside. Although the worksite was actually cleared a few days earlier, it was felt that a more formal event should be held to mark this important occasion, with representatives of the press and some local dignitaries invited to attend.
Chris Coleman, the Managing Director of RATP Metrolink was present to congratulate the Manchester Transport Museum Society on their latest achievement, and cut a special ceremonial ribbon to declare the worksite officially open. This was Mr Coleman’s first visit to the tramway and he was said to be very impressed by what he saw, and as a former Blackpool resident he was especially pleased to reacqauint himself with Blackpool Brush car 623. He was also invited to drive Manchester 765 – a very different experience from controlling a Metrolink tram! Also on hand to mark the occasion was local Councillor Keith Whitmore, who has been a much valued supporter of the tramway for some time and has witnessed many milestones in its development over the last five years.
The appearance of Manchester 765 was also noteworthy as the tram has technically been sidelined for the winter, awaiting workshop attention. However, as the tram which started the ball rolling for the MTMS, it is usually chosen for important events and after a clean was brought out for the first time in over a month. Following this starring role, the car then returned to the depot to continue its hibernation.
If this small ceremony is what the team at Heaton Park did to celebrate the start of depot ground works, then we will certainly be looking forward to seeing what happens when the building is completed next year!