New lifts bring step-free access to Irlam station

Two new lifts have been installed at Irlam Station to make the station easier to use for all passengers and were made as part of a £5.75m investment.

The step-free access to and from the platforms was funded by the Department for Transport’s Access for All scheme and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA).

The project was also completed as part of a collaborative effort between Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), Northern, TransPennine Express (TPE) and Network Rail.

The accessibility upgrades will make the station much easier for passengers to use, especially wheelchair users.

The step-free access will also support those who have limited mobility, are travelling with bicycles, pushchairs, or luggage.

The lifts were celebrated yesterday (Monday 12 May) with a ribbon cutting by Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and Salford Deputy City Mayor, Councillor Tracy Kelly.

They were joined by accessibility campaigners, members of the community and the Hamilton Davies Trust.

The completion of works at Daisy Hill last month and is all part of Greater Manchester’s push to make twice as many rail stations in the city-region step-free in the next three years than in the preceding decade.

Following the station upgrade, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said: “It’s great to see these new lifts operating at Irlam just weeks after the official opening of the step-free scheme at Daisy Hill.

“We are now beginning to deliver accessibility improvements at stations across Greater Manchester at a much greater pace than in the preceding decades.”

He continued: “The installation of step-free schemes at stations across our city region is key to our vision for the Bee Network as a fully joined-up public transport network, allowing people to make seamless journeys between trains, buses, trams and active travel.”

Currently, fewer than half of the city-region’s stations are accessible and investments, but work on step-free access schemes at Swinton, Hindley, Bryn, and Reddish North are all scheduled to get underway next year.

This rolling programme of upgrades also forms part of Greater Manchester’s wider plans to bring eight commuter rail lines into the Bee Network by 2028.

The plans aim to build a more inclusive and accessible public transport network and deliver major improvements to stations, services, and passenger experience.

Paul Dennett, Salford City Mayor, said: “Step-free access at stations like Irlam are vital to making travel inclusive for all passengers across the wider public transport system.

“The two new lifts installed will achieve this and help meet the needs of passengers at Irlam station, ensuring that people can travel more easily and confidently.

The Salford Mayor continued: “These improvements are a big step in the right direction and something we have worked closely with partners in the city to make possible.

“So, I’m really pleased to see this planned work for essential services now completed and the positive impact they will have for rail users.”

As well as the developments to the station, Story Contracting made a significant social value contribution to the Irlam and Cadishead communities.

Activities included two visits to St Teresa’s RC Primary School and volunteering with the 1st Cadishead Scout Group.

Story also created and donated a bespoke sensory story – a train-based activity with props to engage the five senses – to Springwood Primary School, a SEND school near the station.

Donations of more than £2,000 were made to support Greater Manchester mental health charity 42nd Street and community initiatives such as the refurbishment of the 1st Cadishead Scout Group building.

This year also marks the 10th anniversary of the station’s Heritage Hub opening, which has seen the Station House impressively restored by local charity Hamilton Davies Trust (HDT), who also campaigned for step-free access for residents.

Julie Thompson, spokesperson for the Hamilton Davies Trust, said: “We are so pleased to see this improvement to the facilities at Irlam station.

“We are keen to improve the experience for commuters and the local community, and hope that even more people will be able to visit and enjoy the Heritage Hub and the hospitality at the station cafe.”