Over the past few years one of the most popular photo series we have run has been “Manchester Metrolink Then & Now” – and its back for the next few weeks! In this series we take a look at the same location before or during construction of Metrolink and once the trams have started running. Thanks to Keith Chadbourne for these latest images as we see a few more locations.
In this edition we are at St Peter’s Square, a location which is very familiar on this website with it now being one of the main hubs of the Manchester Metrolink. In the below photos we are in Manchester Town Hall Extension and looking down on St Peter’s Square.
In 1989 there is no sign of the impending arrival of Metrolink with a two way road in place and a Lyntown Bus Company bus passing the camera on the way to Piccadilly. This bus company – with an interesting colour combo! – was created following bus deregulation and was based in Eccles. They ran a fleet of Bristol RE’s.
Its 26 years later now and we’re onto the second Metrolink stop at St Peter’s Square with it now being the UK’s only four platform tram stop on a modern tram system. Its hard to believe we’re in the same place as the surrounding area is so different when viewed from this side (at least with photos from the other side you have the Town Hall and Central Library to provide a form of reference. Nearest to the camera are the platforms towards Exchange Square and Piccadilly Gardens whilst on the far side 3059 is preparing to go out of the city. This image was captured on 25th April 2025. (Both Photographs by Keith Chadbourne)
The picture of an old Manchester tram on route 44 in early 1947 available on Flickr at https://www.flickr.com/photos/fred_bear/49529658556 would be a more appropriate photo for the “then” part of then and now for this location.