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Whitworth Street West, MANCHESTER, M1 5LH

The newly completed outbound platform at the Deansgate-Castlefield Metrolink stop. Originally, the Metrolink stop had two platforms serving tracks running in separate directions. These platforms were ‘staggered’ with reduced length and confused access arrangements. It therefore had no capacity to operate as an ‘interchange’. Now work has been completed, the stop has a new inbound island platform and a new outbound platform, as well as improved access and facilities. Two new track cross-overs have also been installed, allowing trams to turn-back in both directions, making the stop an interchange. http://www.publicaccess.manchester.gov.uk/associateddocs/Default1.aspx?103196-dsx-0001.pdf pdf document with details of the upgrading of the Deansgate-Castlefield Metrolink stop (Ian Simpson Architects/Manchester City Council). As part of a “green theme” http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/deansgate-castlefield-living-wall-tram-9723668 , blocks of sedum have been planted between tracks which are already teeming with wildflowers so that the trams appear to move along a bed of grass as they pass through the stop. This photograph was taken from the end of the new island platform, looking towards the new outbound platform. When the photograph was taken, the stop was acting as a temporary terminus for the South Manchester lines as the line through St Peter’s Square was closed so that work could be carried out on the new tram stop there as part of the “Second City Crossing”.

A view of the new island platform at Metrolink’s Deansgate-Castlefield stop which is currently being remodelled. For the time being this platform is being used for both inbound and outbound trams as the outbound platform (background, right hand side of photograph) is currently closed whilst it is being upgraded. Originally, the Metrolink stop had two platforms serving tracks running in separate directions. These platforms were ‘staggered’ with reduced length and confused access arrangements. It therefore had no capacity to operate as an ‘interchange’. Current improvements include the creation of this new (inbound) island platform and two new track cross-overs are being installed, allowing trams to turn back in both directions. http://www.publicaccess.manchester.gov.uk/associateddocs/Default1.aspx?103196-dsx-0001.pdf pdf document with details of the upgrading of the Deansgate-Castlefield Metrolink stop (Ian Simpson Architects/Manchester City Council). See also Image

Three Bombardier M5000 trams at the Deansgate-Castlefield Metrolink stop. 3110 is at the outbound platform on the route to Eccles; 3135 at the outbound side of the island platform waiting to depart on the service to the Trafford Centre; 3037 at the inbound side of the island platform on the route to Piccadilly. Originally, the stop had two platforms serving tracks running in separate directions. These platforms were ‘staggered’ with reduced length and confused access arrangements. It, therefore, had no capacity to operate as an ‘interchange’. The stop was extensively remodelled in 2015; it now has a new inbound island platform and a new outbound platform, as well as improved access and facilities. Two new track cross-overs have also been installed, allowing trams to turn back in both directions, making the stop an interchange. http://www.publicaccess.manchester.gov.uk/associateddocs/Default1.aspx?103196-dsx-0001.pdf pdf document with details of the upgrading of the Deansgate-Castlefield Metrolink stop (Ian Simpson Architects/Manchester City Council). As part of a “green theme” (http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/deansgate-castlefield-living-wall-tram-9723668 Manchester Evening News), blocks of sedum were planted between the tracks so that the trams appear to move along a bed of grass as they pass through the stop.

By Deansgate locks.

Metrolink Bombardier tram 3022 stops at the inbound platform at the Castlefield-Deansgate stop en-route towards Piccadilly. This tram stop is on the raised section of track behind the former Manchester Central Station, approaching the Castlefield Viaduct (which is behind the photographer). This stop has since been redesigned (see Image])

A view of the new island platform at Metrolink’s Deansgate-Castlefield stop which is currently being remodelled. For the time being this platform is being used for both inbound and outbound trams as the outbound platform is currently closed whilst it is being upgraded. Originally, the Metrolink stop had two platforms serving tracks running in separate directions. These platforms were ‘staggered’ with reduced length and confused access arrangements. It therefore had no capacity to operate as an ‘interchange’. Current improvements include the creation of this new (inbound) island platform and two new track cross-overs are being installed, allowing trams to turn back in both directions. http://www.publicaccess.manchester.gov.uk/associateddocs/Default1.aspx?103196-dsx-0001.pdf pdf document with details of the upgrading of the Deansgate-Castlefield Metrolink stop (Ian Simpson Architects/Manchester City Council). See also Image

At dusk. Opened in 1992 as G-Mex, renamed in 2010. Deansgate canal locks underneath.

Looking across towards the new island platform at the Deansgate-Castlefield Metrolink stop. Originally, the stop had two platforms serving tracks running in separate directions. These platforms were ‘staggered’ with reduced length and confused access arrangements. It therefore had no capacity to operate as an ‘interchange’. Now work has been completed, the stop has a new inbound island platform and a new outbound platform, as well as improved access and facilities. Two new track cross-overs have also been installed, allowing trams to turn-back in both directions, making the stop an interchange. http://www.publicaccess.manchester.gov.uk/associateddocs/Default1.aspx?103196-dsx-0001.pdf pdf document with details of the upgrading of the Deansgate-Castlefield Metrolink stop (Ian Simpson Architects/Manchester City Council). As part of a “green theme” http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/deansgate-castlefield-living-wall-tram-9723668 , blocks of sedum have been planted between tracks which are already teeming with wildflowers so that the trams appear to move along a bed of grass as they pass through the stop.

Bombardier M5000 tram no 3019 in the Metrolink fleet, waits at the island platform of the newly re-modelled Deansgate-Castlefield Metrolink stop. Although showing "Not in Service", the tram has recently arrived from Altrincham and will soon be (back in service) ready for the return journey.

Metrolink tram number 3074 departs from the Deansgate-Castlefield stop on the service to Shaw.