The re-opening of the stop, which has been closed to passengers for 14 months, also signifies the return of twin track services through the square and the uniting of the city and wider network for the first time in nine weeks.
At the same time, a full Eccles line service will be restored following extensive track replacement work to ensure the continued safe and reliable running of trams along the route for many years to come.
Services will resume subject to a thorough testing and commissioning process and people are being reminded to pay attention to the tram lines and their surroundings as test trams operate over the coming days.
Transport for Greater Manchester’s (TfGM) transformation of the St Peter’s Square stop is part of Manchester City Council’s flagship redevelopment of the area and will sit as a proud centrepiece in this major new civic space and an integral part of the transformational Grow project.
In a multi-million pound project, the new-look stop has been moved towards the northern end of the square, near the relocated cenotaph. Boasting two new island platforms and two sets of twin track, the stop will allow more frequent and reliable tram services to run through the city and across the tram network when the Second City Crossing opens next year.
Further finishing works for the Second City Crossing will be undertaken around the stop and the square.
Councillor Andrew Fender, Chair of the TfGM Committee, said: “I’m delighted we’re going to be able to re-open the St Peter’s Square stop and reconnect the network over the bank holiday weekend, as planned.
“A significant amount has happened over the last nine weeks and it has required a huge undertaking by the contractor M-Pact Thales (MPT) to transform St Peter’s Square from a construction site into an operational tram stop in that time.
“To be able to restore services to and through the stop is a significant milestone and over the coming weeks there’ll be further work to the stop and wider area as the finishing touches are applied alongside the city council’s ongoing works.
“Once complete, St Peter’s Square will undoubtedly be the jewel in Manchester’s crown.”
