Metrolink finally confirm new Trafford Centre line opening date

We already knew that the brand new Metrolink line out to the Trafford Centre was set to open a lot earlier than expected – but now we finally have an exact date.

The Trafford Park Metrolink tram line was completed at the start of November, with the last 15 metres of track being laid and the final concrete pour bringing construction on the project to an end.

While TfGM initially predicted trams to be running by late 2020, they then updated this to say the line would be fully open to passengers from April this year.

Now it turns out it’ll actually be open even earlier, on Sunday March 22nd.

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: “It’s great that the Trafford Park line will open for business on Sunday 22 March. It is a much-needed addition to the Metrolink network and will encourage more people to use public transport to journey around our city-region, and in doing so reduce congestion on our roads and improve the quality of our air.

“Last June I set out Our Network – a vision for the type of world-class transport network I want us to have here in Greater Manchester. This new line is a great step towards that, and a shining example of what we can deliver with the right funding and powers.”

In even better news, the massive new Primark that’s coming to the Trafford Centre is officially opening on Friday March 20th, so you’ll be able to ride the new line out there on the opening weekend.

Eirian Evans / Geograph

The popular budget retailer has been busy finishing up its new store at Barton Square ready for its launch this spring.

It’ll be the 190th Primark store to open in the UK, creating more than 300 jobs in the process, and it looks set to be one of the biggest to boot.

As for the new Metrolink line, it will connect the Trafford Centre to the rest of the tram system, with construction costing £350 million.

When it opens, the new line will have six stops on its route, running from the existing Pomona stop all the way to the popular shopping centre.