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THE arrival of a tram system in south Manchester is expected to be a catayst for further economic growth in suburbs like Chorlton, Didsbury, Whalley Range and Stretford
THE arrival of a tram system in south Manchester is expected to be a catayst for further economic growth in suburbs like Chorlton, Didsbury, Whalley Range and Stretford

Little bang is big boost to economy

Nick Towle
13/ 7/2006

BOOM times are ahead for south Manchester following the Government's decision to expand the Metrolink network.

Experts say the extension, dubbed the 'Little Bang', is likely to send house prices in Chorlton soaring and boost the local economy.

Improved links to the city centre and other areas could also see big businesses looking to set up shop in Chorlton as they look to take advantage of its suburban ambience. Although the first phase of the scheme will only go as far as Chorlton, experts are predicting a knock-on effect which will have an unprecedented upturn in the area's economy.

And if, as expected, the Didsbury spur gets the go-ahead next year, the housing market in south Manchester could see a boom similar to the one in the late 1990s.

Professor Brian Robson, director of urban policy studies at Manchester Business School, said: "This is going to have a big economic impact."

He added that the creation of new Metrolink stations was likely open up new parts of the city to businesses and see major firms heading out of the city centre.

One industry insider said estate agents in Chorlton were 'rubbing their hands' at the thought of new stops at St Werburgh's Road and in Firswood and at the prospect of a further three local stops if more funding can be found.

Houses near Metrolink stops are expected to be at a premium with hundreds expected to ditch their cars in favour of light rail.

Lewis Phipps, an estate agent in Didsbury, said: "This is fantastic news, particularly for the rental market because there will be many people relocating to the area on short-term work contracts. A lot of tenants work in the city centre so the increased desire to come to south Manchester can only be increased."

Among the many benefits to an extended light-rail system are:

  • 2.3 million car journeys saved each year on the south Manchester and on the proposed airport line.
  • More than 5 million car journeys saved each year on the entire network
  • More than 60 miles of track making it one of the largest tram systems in the UK.
  • A reduction of carbon dioxide emissions by some 3,643 metric tonnes.

For more on the Metrolink extension, see this week's Reporter


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Most recent 2 of 3 user comments

   Excellent, I am up again soon and will check it out - is it true that Chorlton has now also been officially given the third tram stop which will be located in the centre of Chorlton - does anyone know where this one will be?
David, Harrow
5/09/2006 at 16:32
   Sorry, I don't know...

... however, there is an old rain line (called the Fallowfield Loop) that crosses St Werburghs Road.

It's a good bet that's where the station will be.
Paul, Manchester
27/07/2006 at 16:16
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