Whitefield park and ride facility set to re-open

The expanded park and ride at Whitefield Metrolink stop is set to reopen next week.

Commuters will be able to take advantage of the 89 new parking spaces from Monday 12 May.

The facility was temporarily closed in January 2014 to allow the construction of an extra deck to boost parking capacity from 127 spaces to 216 spaces.

Councillor Andrew Fender, Chair of the Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) Committee, said: “The re-opening of this expanded facility is excellent news for commuters and the 70 per cent increase in parking spaces will provide a much-needed boost for what is an increasingly popular facility.

“Not only are they free of charge to passengers with a valid ticket and a great way to save money, but park and ride facilities are also a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and help ease congestion on the busy road network and in the city centre.”

Work is currently underway to expand the number of spaces at the Radcliffe park and ride facility from 250 spaces to 369 spaces. The construction of the upper parking deck began in March 2014 and is expected to be complete in summer 2014.

A list of all Metrolink park and facilities can be viewed at http://www.metrolink.co.uk/Pages/Park-and-Ride.aspx

In August 2013, Bury Council’s Planning Committee approved two applications from TfGM to add new decks to parking facilities at both Whitefield and Radcliffe Metrolink stops.

Public information events were held at both sites in May 2013 to inform users about TfGM’s proposals and invite feedback.ENDS

Picture: Transport for Greater  Manchester Committee Chair, Cllr Andrew Fender, and Project Manager Orlando Walters at the park and ride site