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The rapid expansion of the Metrolink network since 2009 placed significant extra demand on the existing line through the centre of Manchester due to the additional number of tram movements as all the routes run through a single line in the city centre.

In January 2014, work began on a second Metrolink line (The Second City Crossing, 2CC) through the city centre as part of the Transport Strategy for Manchester City Centre. As well as giving extra capacity, it will also provide more flexibility to serve special events and reduce disruption caused by future maintenance and renewals in the city centre.

The route runs from the existing line at Victoria Station, through Exchange Square, Corporation Street, Cross Street and Princess Street to the existing Deansgate-Castlefield stop via an extended and enlarged stop at St Peter’s Square. A new stop was created at Exchange Square and the Victoria Station stop was improved as part of the overall refurbishment of the station. Link

The first stage of the route, between Victoria and Exchange Square, was opened in December 2015 whilst the final section, from Exchange Square to St Peter’s Square, was opened to passengers on 26 February 2017.

Link Transport for Greater Manchester

The Metrolink stop at St Peter’s Square is to be completely rebuilt. The existing stop will be demolished in summer 2015 and a new one will be built closer to the new Cenotaph and Manchester Art Gallery at the end of the Square. This will also make room for improvements to public and pedestrian areas to complement Manchester City Council’s flagship redevelopment of the square. The new Metrolink stop will have two new island style platforms and two sets of track in each direction, allowing more services to run through it on the existing lines and the new Second City Crossing. It is expected that the new stop will open late in 2016.