Community hubs plan for train stations

LOCAL transport chiefs are planning to take control of Greater Manchester's rail stations and turn them into community hubs.

If the bid is successful residents could be visiting a GP, dentist, post office, gym, art gallery or music concert at their local station.

Disused land and buildings around the region's stations could be transformed into housing too.

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has submitted its 'Case for Change' to the Department for Transport, in a bid to secure a multi-million pound investment and regional accountability by bringing Greater Manchester's 97 rail stations under local control.

The submission has been made on behalf of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), in line with the 2014 devolution agreement and 2040 strategic vision for transport to drive economic growth and regeneration.

The detailed business case recommends the wholesale transfer of station ownership and management from Network Rail and train operators TransPennine and Virgin.

It sets out plans for long-term investment to enable local stations to: act as community hubs; offer a seamless journey through better integration with the wider transport network; improve access to jobs and local facilities; and act as a catalyst for local regeneration and social enterprises.

Subject to an 'in principle' Government agreement by summer this year, 94 local rail stations could transfer to Greater Manchester custodianship in the next two to three years, with city centre Manchester Piccadilly, Manchester Victoria and Oxford Road to follow.

TfGM says current short term rail franchise contracts don't allow for long term customer focus and planning.

If approved, over £400 million - combined from existing funding streams and additional Greater Manchester investment - would be invested in local stations over the next two decades, with potential to use related land assets for additional housing, commercial development and improved car parking.

Tony Lloyd, Greater Manchester Mayor, said: "Many of Greater Manchester's rail stations do not meet the expectations of the travelling public. I believe it is important that our transport assets do not just meet, but exceed the demands of users."