Kier to lead design of Heaton Park Metrolink stop accessibility upgrade

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has appointed Kier to lead the design of accessibility improvements at Heaton Park Metrolink stop in Prestwich, the contractor announced on 15 October.

The scheme forms part of TfGM's Metrolink Stop Improvements Programme and is intended to make the Bury line stop more accessible and improve the customer experience, Kier said.

The design covers enhanced step-free access through new ramps and larger lifts. Proposed works also include demolishing and rebuilding the stepped access to the platforms, new waiting shelters, urban realm improvements at the stop entrance, relocation of existing platform furniture, replacement of all signage including wayfinding, a new pedestrian track crossing and drainage works.

Ian Davies, TfGM's network director for Metrolink, said: "Accessibility is a key priority for us and we will be making changes to the stop enabling easier access for passengers with mobility issues, people with pushchairs and those travelling with heavy luggage."

He said the Heaton Park work is part of a wider programme to improve stops across the Metrolink network.

Kier's release gave no contract value or programme dates.

The stop

According to Kier, the stop serves Heaton Park, which it describes as the largest park in Greater Manchester with more than 600 acres of parkland and a frequent venue for both small and large-scale events.

TfGM is already replacing the lift on the Bury-bound platform at Heaton Park, with works under way since 29 July 2026 and the lift out of service until further notice, according to its live travel updates page. The lift on the Manchester-bound platform remains open for customers, TfGM said.

TfGM says all Metrolink trams and tram stops are accessible for wheelchair users. The operator says it is investing almost £150m through to 2027 on Metrolink maintenance, upgrades and improvements.

Kier's Greater Manchester workload

Mandy Duncan, managing director for Rail and Aviation at Kier Infrastructure, said: "This appointment builds on the other projects we are currently delivering across Greater Manchester, including wider accessibility improvements at six railway stations and engineering upgrades near Manchester Victoria."

On 9 September 2026, Kier announced a TfGM design and build contract for accessibility works at six Greater Manchester railway stations: Flowery Field, Newton-for-Hyde, Levenshulme, Davenport, Woodsmoor and Bredbury. That contract is subject to full business case and railway approvals, Kier said, and is funded by the Department for Transport's Access for All Programme and the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS). Kier is working with partners including Network Rail, Vextrix, Tony Gee and Partners and Northern on that scheme.

Network Rail said on 4 July 2026 that it and main contractor Kier had completed track renewals and signalling upgrades between Rochdale and Manchester Victoria ahead of building a new turnback east of Victoria station. The Brewery Junction turnback, due for completion next year, will free up space at Manchester Victoria, Network Rail said.

Kier has around 10,000 employees and more than 16,000 supply chain partners, according to the group.

Wider Metrolink investment

Heaton Park is not the only Metrolink stop in line for work. Phase one of TfGM's Bury Interchange redevelopment starts in mid-November 2026, according to TfGM, and includes a new footbridge, upgraded platforms and new canopies for the Metrolink stop.

Funding for the Bury Interchange work has been provided through the government's CRSTS, TfGM said. Early engagement with TfGM's Disability Design Reference Group took place in 2024 and helped shape those proposals.

Kier's release did not say when the Heaton Park design is expected to be completed or when construction would start.