Since it opened as the London Road station in 1842, Manchester Piccadilly has been a major gateway to the North West.
The station has undergone many modifications during its 158 year history to enable it to cope with increasing numbers of passengers and services.
Manchester Piccadilly handles over 83,000 passengers and 1,000 train movements every day. It is the northern terminus of Virgin’s flagship route to London and offers direct services to other major UK cities, including Glasgow, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Cardiff and Norwich.
Chronology
- Manchester Piccadilly was originally called London Road station and was opened by the Manchester and Birmingham Railway on 8 May 1842.
- Further platforms were opened on 1 August 1849.
- The station was rebuilt in 1866.
- An extension was opened on 16 May 1881.
- It was remodelled and renamed Manchester Piccadilly on 12 September 1960, with works completed in 1965.
- Between 1998 and 2000, over £27 million was spent on modernising the station.
- A major improvement programme was completed in 2002 in time for the Manchester 2002 Commonwealth games. This programme greatly enhanced the facilities, layout and accessibility as well as the visual appearance of the station.
Station design
- The 1866 station comprised a trussed arch roof 95ft wide by 680ft long and was designed by W. Baker and L. H. Moorsom. Two further spans were added in 1881 measuring 78ft by 680ft and 110ft by 500ft.
- The 1965 station concourse and accommodation was designed by British Rail’s Midland regional architect’s office.