Plans to use the underused rail line through Denton to connect more people to the Metrolink network via a tram-train route are being considered by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM). Metrolink is already the UK’s largest light rail network, with 99 stops connecting seven of the 10 boroughs of Greater Manchester, and now it could be expanding even further.
The transport operator is already working with Stockport Council to develop a business case for bringing trams to Stockport. The strategic outline case – the first step in the process – is exploring a ‘core’ extension from the existing Metrolink stop at East Didsbury to Stockport town centre.
Utilising the Denton rail line has “the potential to be truly transformational”
Leader of Tameside Council, Cllr Eleanor Wills, said: “The options being developed to utilise the Denton rail line to expand Metrolink and better connect Ashton to Manchester Airport via Stockport have the potential to be truly transformational.
“The Ashton Mayoral Development Zone is an exciting and vital opportunity to unlock Ashton’s potential, providing new homes and quality jobs. With even better transport links, we can set ourselves up to for good growth for many years to come.”
Tram-train technology could help unlock future Metrolink extensions
But, as part of the work on the business case, TfGM is also considering how this may unlock future extensions. One option being worked on includes using tram-train technology – where services can run on both tram and train tracks – to run beyond Stockport town centre along the Denton rail line, connecting the area firmly into the wider Metrolink network, including links to Tameside and Manchester Airport.
“For too long, Denton has been overlooked”
Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: “We’ve a bold plan to deliver a decade of good growth for Greater Manchester, one that benefits every part of the city region. Developing the Bee Network and delivering better bus, tram and train connections will be fundamental to our growth story.
“For too long, Denton has been overlooked and by working up the tram-train option to connect Denton and the wider area to the Metrolink is a big step toward unlocking opportunities for local residents and businesses.
“We’re committed to extending Metrolink to Stockport and beyond as part of our efforts to connect all our districts to the tram network and delivering a truly integrated transport network for everyone.”
When is the Metrolink extension arriving in Stockport?
Significant progress has already been made on the first stage of the Stockport Metrolink extension business case. TfGM is aiming to complete the required technical work this year, ahead of submission to the Department for Transport in early 2026. Construction of the ‘core’ scheme between East Didsbury and Stockport could begin by the end of the decade, subject to approvals and funding.
Leader of Stockport Council, Cllr Mark Roberts, said: “I’ve always said when it comes to Metrolink that it should be ‘Next Stop Stockport not Last Stop Stockport’ to help deliver the ambition we have -the delivery of Metrolink and improving public transport connectivity across the borough and Greater Manchester is something we can all get behind.”
Transport for the City Regions funding
Earlier this year, the government awarded Greater Manchester £2.5 billion through Transport for the City Regions funding for a pipeline of projects, including a tram line to Stockport and tram-train services connecting Oldham, Rochdale, Heywood and Bury, new Metrolink stops and modern new interchanges.
In a meeting on Thursday 27th November, the Bee Network Committee also endorsed exciting plans to connect communities with new tram and tram-train services. Members approved £5.7m to progress with the next phase of work on the Oldham-Rochdale-Heywood-Bury Tram-Train ‘pathfinder’ scheme to connect Atom Valley.
