TRAMS IN HEATON PARK
The current Heaton Park Tramway has developed from a restored section of the former siding off the Manchester Corporation Tramways system on Middleton Road just north east of the city. The siding was originally built to allow special cars to operate from various parts of the city bringing Sunday School parties for days out in the extensive grounds of Heaton Hall. The City had acquired Heaton Hall and it's grounds in 1901 from the family of the Earl of Wilton whose property it had been, and created the largest municipal park in the country. The park provided relaxation and recreation for families from the inner city areas and the trams provided easy access.
(Photo MTMS archive)
Sunday crowds arrive in Heaton Park by tram early 1900s.
In recognition of the reputation of the Manchester weather a large waiting shelter was provided at the end of the 280 yard siding to provide protection for those awaiting their return journey. This shelter was to become the depot for the restored line providing shelter for up to three trams.
(Photo MTMS archive)
The waiting shelter in it's original form.
(Photo MTMS archive)
A general view of the terminus area.
The park provided recreation in the form of a large boating lake, a miniature railway, long parkland walks, putting greens and a large 18 hole golf course amongst other attractions.
(Photo MTMS archive)
The miniature railway train and staff.
The siding was finally disconnected from the main system in 1934 and the track covered for use by buses. It remained covered by tarmac until 1978 when the Manchester Transport Museum Society and Manchester City Council commenced work on a scheme to bring it back to life using Manchester single deck car 765 which Society members had restored to running order. As part of the scheme, which had first been suggested by the Society back in 1972, the former shelter was to be transformed into a depot building to house 765 and former Blackpool and Fleetwood Box Car 40 which was loaned by the Tramway Museum Society. Besides housing the trams and maintenance facilities the depot also contains a museum display of large format photographs and artefacts relating to the development of tramways in the Manchester area from the early horse trams through to the Metrolink system of the present day. There is also a gift shop selling transport publications post cards etc..
(Photo S.G.Hyde)
Manchester 765 celebrates 80 years of Manchester Tramways 1981.
The tramway re-opened for passengers in September 1979 and has operated on Sundays and Bank Holidays between Easter and October since then. Over the succeeding 25 years the original line was been extended twice and is now approximately 0.75 km in length. A variety of trams has operated on the line and two of the trams associated with the tramway have operated in Blackpool. The present terminus at the boathouse area was reached in 1990 and is well placed in a busy area of the park. Facilities in the depot building have been developed and now include an archive room, a much improved sales area and the luxury of a maintenance pit. The line is operated entirely by volunteers on behalf of The Manchester Tramway Company Ltd., which is jointly owned by Manchester City Council and The Manchester Transport Museum Society.
MANCHESTER TRANSPORT MUSEUM SOCIETY