Swinton work starts as TfGM commits to accessibility
Step-free access at railway stations is the main target of a £100m Transport for Greater Manchester programme that will see a further seven locations upgraded in the next two years.
In total, £4.3m is being spent at Swinton, in a project that along with a new lift will also see accessible toilets introduced, and improvements to CCTV and lighting. Work is expected to be completed in spring 2027.
Bev Craig, mayor of Greater Manchester, said: “Greater Manchester’s old Victorian railway stations may be full of character, but the reality is they often act as a barrier to people catching the train.
“It’s not right that people need to travel miles to a different station or find another way to get around, just because they can’t get up the station stairs. So, we’re doing something about it.
“Swinton is one of four stations we’re now on with making step-free. By next spring, everyone will be able to get on the train there, with a new lift to the platforms, toilets and baby-changing facilities, and a lighter, brighter station.
“It’s part of my promise to the people of Greater Manchester to make our railways safer and more accessible for everyone as we bring them into the Bee Network.”
Already on site, as referred to by the mayor, are projects at Bryn and Hindley in Wigan, and Reddish North in Stockport. Daisy Hill and Irlan were made step-free last year.
TfGM’s programme is for work to start in spring 2027 at Levenshulme, and Tameside stations Flowery Field and Newton for Hyde.
Bredbury, Woodsmoor, and Davenport stations in Stockport will be upgraded in 2028.
The work fits into Greater Manchester’s plans to bring eight commuter rail lines into the Bee Network by 2028 and create a more accessible, joined-up public transport system.
Kerry Peters. director of stations for Northern, said: “Making our stations accessible to everyone is a priority for Northern, so it’s great to see work getting underway at Swinton.
“Step-free access transforms what a station can offer passengers, opening up rail travel to people who have previously found the stairs a barrier, whether that’s wheelchair users, parents with buggies, or older passengers.
“We’ll continue to work closely with TfGM and Network Rail throughout the project to keep disruption to a minimum, and we’d like to thank passengers for their patience while this vital work takes place.”
