THE future’s looking bright at Manchester Piccadilly, where a £20 million plus regeneration scheme will help to cast new light on the Victorian station.

And the new lighting scheme comes 100 years after the station became one of the first in the North to receive electric illumination.

Owned and managed by Railtrack, the grade two listed building is due to undergo a series of major refurbishments, forming part of a national station regeneration package by the railway custodian.

David Peers, Station Manager at Piccadilly, explained: ‘Our aim is to restore the station to its former glory, using original materials wherever possible, whilst also enhancing, and where necessary replacing, existing facilities with new modern amenities, helping to create a more pleasant environment for passengers.’

Scheduled for completion before the turn of the century, the programme of work includes stripping off and re-roofing the main train hall, cladding the gables at each end, repairs to the walls, platforms, structural frames and gables and disabled access facilities.

The first major phase of the Piccadilly regeneration was launched on Monday (7 July), with an extensive new lighting scheme which will be the `jewel of the north’, incorporating the very latest modern lighting systems.

Lasting 18 weeks, the scheme will feature specially made lanterns, built by British company Urbis Lighting and utilising energy efficient ‘white light’ technology, with work being undertaken by Laing.

It’s also very fitting that the work should start on the anniversary of the first electric lighting at the station. At the time over 1,000 people turned out to see the grand switching on and hopefully this new scheme will prove as innovative and successful as its predecessor,’ said Railtrack’s Director of the North West zone, Chris Leah.

For further information, contact Railtrack Public Affairs on 0161 237 1936.

Railnews Archive ::: 1997-07-09 RTK-009