Depot for extra Metrolink trams

Work has started on a big new depot in Manchester for the Metrolink trams that are to come to Rochdale, Oldham, Droylsden, Chorlton and MediaCityUK in Salford Quays - the new lines will cover nearly 20 miles and include 27 stops. The new depot will have room for 32 trams and will cover an area the size of ten football pitches.

The last building on the site, a former bakery and packaging company, has been demolished. The 1960s warehouse had been derelict for than 10 years.

The £575m expansion of the tram network over an extra 20 miles, which was approved last year, will see it nearly double in size.

Philip Purdy, Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive's (GMPTE) Metrolink director, said: "I'm pleased that work to clear the way for the new depot has now been completed with the demolition of the last derelict building on the site.

"The site of the depot is ideal as it's sandwiched between the tram line to Altrincham and the new line to Chorlton in South Manchester.

"We're also planning to expand our original depot in North Manchester to house some of the new trams."

The new lines will open in stages between next year and 2012.