Salford Central’s £10m refresh completes

Led by Transport for Greater Manchester with Network Rail and Northern Trains, the investment is considered a crucial step for the wider plan to integrate up to 64 Greater Manchester rail stations into the Bee Network by 2028.

The £10m investment has aimed to improve customer experience and accessibility with a ticket office, accessible toilets, and platform improvements delivered, in addition to general station modernisation.

Principal contractor Story Contracting has delivered the scheme on time and on budget.

Proposals to bring an F&B offer to the arch behind the station and improve public space by removing the concrete wall to the rear of the glass box station and installing a new entrance have also been set out.

The Salford Central Station Working Group, a collaboration between The Arch Co, TfGM, Northern, Network Rail, Muse, and Salford City Council, expects to start work on such a scheme in early 2026.

This, however, must follow the submission and approval of a planning application by Salford City Council.

A view of the new entranceway into the station. Credit: Jonathan Becker

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: “Rail is key to our ambition to create a transport network for a global city region in Greater Manchester, connecting people to work, education, leisure, and vital public services – driving the growth our city region needs to fulfil its huge potential.”

He added that the work is considered an important part of the plan to integrate eight commuter rail lines across Greater Manchester under the umbrella of the Bee Network.

“We’re also committed to ramping up standards, making our stations safer and a more attractive place to be.” He said.

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By 2028, Burnham expects 64 Greater Manchester rail stations to have joined the Bee Network, with the remaining 32 integrated by 2030.

Elsewhere across the network, work at Salford Crescent is progressing, with a third platform nearly built as part of a Network Rail £21m investment to improve passenger flow and reduce train delays.

A new ticket office has been installed. Credit: Jonathan Becker

Paul Dennett, Salford City Mayor, said: “This much-needed investment into our local rail network and stations is something we have worked closely with partners in the city to secure.

“The works at Salford Central will make it much easier for all passengers to use the station and improve their journeys.

“This is all part of our wider plans to create a greener, fairer, and more inclusive city for all with access to great public transport that connects people with where they need to be.”

Julien Dehornoy, deputy regional managing director for Network Rail North West and Central, added: “Our jointly funded upgrades at Salford Central are part of a wider programme to transform rail across Manchester and Salford, working with TfGM, Northern, and Salford City Council, we’ve delivered a station that’s easier to use, more accessible, and ready for future growth.”