Transport revolution on track for Heywood

A major new tram-train system could be coming down the line for Heywood after transport secretary Chris Grayling signalled his support for the expansion of the Metrolink in Greater Manchester.

The plans, which were outlined in TFGM’s new 2040 transport strategy, could see Heywood become one of the few places in the UK to benefit from a new revolutionary tram-train system, which sees trams travel along existing railway tracks.

The proposal could see additional services on the Oldham/Rochdale Metrolink line, which would leave the Metrolink track between Newbold and Rochdale to travel along the existing Calder Valley heavy rail line between Rochdale railway station and Castleton, before continuing onto Heywood via the existing, but rarely used, Castleton spur rail track. Transport bosses believe there is potential for a service from Manchester to Castleton and Heywood, via Rochdale, every 12 minutes.

The plans were also outlined in the second draft of the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework (GMSF), which proposes thousands of news jobs and homes across Rochdale.

Under the plan, which is currently out to public consultation, Heywood is set to play a major role in the borough’s economic growth, with the Northern Gateway proposal, for employment space and homes on land between junctions 18 and 19 of the M62, representing the biggest new employment opportunity in Greater Manchester.

Rochdale Borough Council highlighted the huge potential of the Heywood proposal after Chris Grayling committed to exploring the expansion of Metrolink during a meeting with Greater Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham on Friday (25 January).

Councillor Phil Burke, transport spokesman for Rochdale Borough Council, said: “To see light rail passenger services returning to Heywood for the first time in over 40 years would be a great boost for our borough.

“With the withdrawal of direct bus services to Manchester and no rail or Metrolink connection, it’s clear that Heywood is woefully underserved by public transport, and, with its role in our borough and its regeneration only set to grow, it’s critical that this is addressed.”

The council is currently working up a business case with Transport for Greater Manchester (TFGM) for the Heywood tram-train proposal, with the potential for it to be delivered by 2025. If the project goes forward, the long term aim is for it to be extended to Bury to help serve the Northern Gateway proposal, outlined in the GMSF, for 1.2m square metres of new employment space and 1,600 new homes at Heywood and Pilsworth.

Councillor John Blundell, cabinet member for regeneration at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “This proposal will be a game changer for Heywood and it’s vital that it’s given serious consideration by government.

“Not only will it better serve major employment sites like Heywood Distribution Park and Hareshill Business Park, if expanded to Bury, it could potentially open up the proposed Northern Gateway site, giving our residents the best opportunity to access the thousands of new jobs we aim to create in this economically critical area.”

The tram-train will also complement major investment already coming into Heywood through the new £20m junction 19 link road. The Russell Homes scheme is set to create 1.5m square feet of new employment space, almost 3,000 new jobs and 1,000 new homes, alongside a new primary school. Expressions of interest are currently being invited for firms looking to construct the link road.

A bus route connecting Manchester to Heywood is set to be re-established and extended as part of the junction 19 scheme, with stops at Heywood Distribution Park, Hareshill Business Park, Bowlee Park and Birch village all set to be included.

Tram-train proposals are also being explored at other locations in Greater Manchester, with the potential for services between Hale and Altrincham and Manchester Airport and Wilmslow. Tram-train services could also run to Hazel Grove, Marple, Glossop, Wigan and Atherton, Warrington and between Cornbrook and Manchester Airport.