The Trafford Centre extension on Manchester Metrolink has moved a step closer following the confirmation by Greater Manchester councils of the £300 million funding required to build the line. Detailed designs of the route will now be confirmed ahead of a full inquiry into the plans, it is then hoped that work on constructing the line will be able to start in 2016.
The Trafford Centre line is estimated to cost £350 million and the majority of the cash will be released as part of the Greater Manchester devolution deal. £37 million had already been approved to allow the contruction of 10 new trams and Trafford Council will also be putting forward £20 million towards the building of the new line.
The line is planned to leave the Eccles line shortly after the stop at Pomona and will then run through to the Trafford Centre via stops at Wharfside, Imperial War Museum, Village, Parkway, Event City and Trafford Centre. Last year a public consultation on the extension showed nearly 9 in 10 people were in favour of the plans providing TfGM bosses the confidence to proceed with the plans.