IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
Hardcastle Avenue, MANCHESTER, M21 7LJ

M&S Windows and A&K Off Licence and Groceries opposite Southern Cemetery.

Not on Hardy Lane but round the corner on Barlow Moor Road.

Comparing with the scene on Streetview from 2008 "Press-On" an ironing service business has expanded to the left taking over a former "Claims" business into a dry cleaners. The premises to the left has changed from a "computer solutions" business into a picture-framers. To the right a former solicitors offices has become the "Premier Massala" takeaway.

Despite the unusual width of Hardy Lane, many of the residents feel a need to park on the footways. In the 1920s Hardy Lane was narrow country lane leading from Barlow Moor Road to Hardy Farm, with a continuation as a footpath to the footbridge over the Mersey at Jacksons Boat. Council housing estates were constructed to the south of Barlow Moor Road, and Hardy Lane was substantially widened, with a new dual carriageway being constructed from its north end. It was envisaged that Hardy lane would be extended across the river to join up with Old Hall Lane in Sale. This Hardy Lane Extension was never built, although it was shown on maps right up to the 1980s, and the nearby motorway junction was laid out with it in mind.

The new route to Manchester Airport includes several sections where trams use traditional street track.

The planned extension of the Metrolink network to Manchester Airport will see trams running along the centre of Mauldeth Road West and Hardy Lane, continuing to a river crossing near Jacksons Boat. The line is scheduled to open in 2016. When this photo was taken works were ongoing to divert utilities at the junction of Hardy Lane and Barlow Moor Road. This entailed Hardy Lane being closed off at that point. Traffic was being diverted along Cundiff Road, where a point closure near Barlow Moor Road had been temporarily removed.

Construction of the Manchester Airport Metrolink line. This is almost at the point where it crosses Barlow Moor Road. The shops ahead are on Barlow Moor Road.

Looking towards Mauldeth Road West from Hardy Lane. The planned extension of the Metrolink network to Manchester Airport will see tram lines running down the centre of Mauldeth Road West and Hardy Lane. Work was ongoing to divert utilities in advance of the main construction work commencing, and Hardy Lane was closed off at the junction.