Heritage tramline in Heaton Park could soon be back on track

Tuesday, 17 June 2025 17:22

By David Murphy

A major boost from TfGM and VolkerRail has taken the historic Heaton Park Tramway a step nearer to welcoming passengers again after over a year out of service.

The Heaton Park Tramway, a cherished heritage line within Manchester’s largest municipal park, is on track for a potential reopening thanks to vital support from Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and engineering firm VolkerRail.

The tramway has been closed since early 2024 due to a failure in its electrical substation. A subsequent inspection by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) found six damaged sections of track, including two crossing a roadway, that also needed urgent replacement.

TfGM donated the necessary rails, and VolkerRail stepped in to carry out the replacement work. This included installing new sleepers where needed and resurfacing the affected road crossing, with assistance from the company’s supply chain partners.

Joshua Haworth, secretary of the Manchester Transport Museum Society, which runs the tramway, called the effort “a significant contribution,” adding: “We can’t thank VolkerRail, TfGM and Manchester City Council enough for their commitment to preserving this unique part of our city’s transport history.”

Jamie Kelly, programme manager at VolkerRail, said: “It’s fantastic to give something back to the community and support such a valuable local asset. Our team’s expertise and TfGM’s collaboration have helped push this project forward, and we’re proud to support the next stages.”

David Budd, head of TfGM’s projects group, described the tramway as “a great attraction,” praising the “team effort” to help it return to operation.

The final stages of the restoration involve replacing the damaged electrical substation and passing a safety inspection before reopening to the public.

Councillor Lee Ann Igbon, executive member for Vibrant Neighbourhoods at Manchester City Council, added: “This is great news. We are working with partners to get the tramway back into use and look forward to the day when it’s once again welcoming visitors.”