Time capsule buried near new tram stop

Photo: Chris Bull

Time capsule at St Peter's Square

A time capsule buried near the new St Peter's Square Metrolink tram stop will give future generations a glimpse of Greater Manchester in 2016.

A specially engraved paving slab with a tram and time-themed design will mark the burial site of the time capsule outside Central Library which will preserve the memories of Greater Manchester.

Local newspapers will lie alongside theatre programmes, photographs and local sporting memorabilia together with a unique 3D printed bespoke sculpture inspired by the Metrolink Second City Crossing and especially composed pieces of music inside the capsule which were buried by representatives from Transport for Greater Manchester, Manchester City Council and Metrolink contractor M-Pact Thales and local schoolchildren on 6 December.

The time capsule follows the first test trams which ran along the new Metrolink Second City Crossing which marked the start of a testing and commissioning programme before services open to passengers in early 2017.

The new line, through the heart of the city centre, will allow Metrolink to run more frequent tram services through the centre and across the 93-stop network as well as allowing greater operational flexibility and improved reliability by offering a second route through the city, connecting the expanded St Peter's Square and Victoria Station via Princess Street and Cross Street.

Councillor Andrew Fender, chairman of the TfGM committee, said: "Metrolink is just one among many Manchester icons and this time capsule really does capture a snapshot of the city at the beginning of the 21st century.

"We don't know how future generations will be travelling, but however they get from A to B, I'm sure they'll find all the items we've preserved in this historic Manchester square fascinating."