A glaze-tiled underpass that runs beneath a disused part of Rochdale Station has been returned to service after a 36-year descent into dilapidation. It provides users of the new Park & Ride facility on Hare Street, on the station’s south side, with an easy access route either to the main-line platforms or nearby Metrolink tram stop.
The 40-yard passageway welcomed its first passengers in April 1889 when the town’s station was moved to its existing site and enlarged, enabling the Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway to deal with increasing passenger numbers. King George V and Queen Mary visited in 1913. But traffic began to dwindle in the Sixties and its six platforms were reduced to three in 1979, prompting closure of the underpass. Since then it has been fenced off and reclaimed by nature.
Its reopening complements both the Northern Hub scheme, which involves an additional platform being constructed at Rochdale, and the local council’s masterplan for the station gateway area, enhancing accessibility for rail and Metrolink users with wider physical improvements.
Many heritage features of the original underpass have been retained and restored, notably the iron bridge spans, stonework and tiling. The railings and lamp fittings have been chosen to fit sympathetically with their surroundings. A York stone floor has also been installed, together with a new drainage system.
The renovation has been funded by Transport for Greater Manchester, Rochdale Borough Council and Network Rail.
Photo Credits: Four by Three
Very nice. I take it the fenced off side stairs led to platforms which are no longer in service?
Indeed. It’s effectively just woodland at the top of the stairs now. It would make a great community garden.
Well done Mancunians, preserving your beautiful traditional heritage.