We start another series of “Old(er) and New” as we return to Manchester Metrolink once again. If you haven’t come across this series before then the idea is that we take a look at trams in more or less the same location from different eras. For Manchester Metrolink that includes one of the original T68/T68A vehicles and one of the newer M5000s – and this time we are at the MediaCityUK junction on the Eccles line.
On 19th July 2013 it’s a sunny day in Greater Manchester as we see T68 1023 rounding the curve at the MediaCityUK junction as it continues its journey to Eccles. The access from MediaCityUK can just be seen on the centre left of the shot with the line from the Manchester direction onto the spur directly behind the photographer. 1023 would just have six months left in service with it being withdrawn on 21st January 2014. It has survived into preservation.
Then on 17th March 2025 we are in the same place as we see M5000 3076 also rounding the curve on the way to Eccles. As well as a change of type of tram there has been some development around the tramway here in the intervening 12 years (and indeed since this image was taken things have progressed further). With it being earlier in the year the grass is greener too and with the image being taken from a slightly different angle we can make out the MediaCityUK access track more clearly. (Both Photographs by Gareth Prior)