Mayor expects update on underground station plan

Greater Manchester mayor Bev Craig says she is hoping the government is ready to confirm by Christmas that it will build a new underground rail station at Manchester Piccadilly.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham called for the station to go underground during his time as Craig's predecessor in a move he said would make the station the "Kings Cross of the north of England."

The proposal would play a part in boosting rail travel, supporting the £45bn Northern Powerhouse Rail project, he said.

Speaking on BBC Radio Manchester's Hot Seat programme, Craig said: "The answer to a lot of our transport problems in the city is an underground Piccadilly Station that is fit for the future."

She continued: "You can't have the functioning of the north of England reliant on trains backed up on platforms 13 and 14 and call that a modern transport system.

"So we are working behind the scenes with government to get that delivered."

The issue was something she was working "really closely" with the Transport Secretary on, she said.

"We are pushing really hard that the underground station at Piccadilly unlocks homes, unlocks jobs, but gives us a transport system that works for the future," she added.

"We set up this joint piece of work between Greater Manchester and the government and I want an answer before Christmas so we can get planning."

She said Burnham would be a"firm ally" on the plans.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.