Funding of £8 million has been approved by the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) to support the enhancement of the existing Manchester Metrolink service into Salford Quays.

The funding will support major service improvements on the Eccles to Manchester City Centre line between the network hub station at Cornbrook and the Quays stations, enabling a six minute service in peak hours which matches some of the city centre Metrolink section.

In order to enable the increased frequency, the funding contributes towards the purchase of additional tram cars from the manufacturers Bombardier, doubling the current capacity to 10 trams per hour. The project also includes new track turn-back facilities at Cornbrook, new sidings and ancillary works.

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Stephen Broomhead, Chief Executive of the NWDA, said: "I am delighted to announce approval of our funding for this important infrastructure project. It will help to support the continued economic growth of the Manchester city-region in a sustainable manner, and compliments other major investments by the public and private sectors in Greater Manchester."

Cornbrook Station is becoming an increasingly important station on the network. It connects the existing Altrincham to Bury line with the Eccles to Manchester City Centre line. Cornbrook is also an interchange point for the proposed future extensions of the network, including the new line to Manchester Airport.

Leader of Salford City Council, Cllr John Merry said: "This is excellent news for Salford and demonstrates our commitment to continual investment in the area. This improvement to the Metrolink service will not only enhance our connectivity with Manchester, but will pave the way for the incredible economic growth and employment opportunities that the creation of mediacity:uk will bring."

(JM)