Starr Gate tram depot nearing completion.
Photograph; STARR GATE PROMENADE & TRAM DEPOT.
Blackpool Tramway opened in 1885 and is the only UK tramway to remain in constant operation. It is currently undergoing comprehensive improvements at a cost of £100m.
The new depot at Starr Gate is due to be completed in September and is apparently capable of housing up to twenty Bombardier Flexity 2 trams, although only sixteen have been ordered to date. Some of the current trams will be taken out of service when the new ‘Super-Trams’ make their worldwide debut on the Blackpool line, whereas some old favourites, including the famous ‘Illuminations Specials’, will continue in service - at least into the foreseeable future.
‘Super-Tram’ model on display at Solaris Centre.
Photograph; BOMBARDIER TRAM DISPLAY.
The new depot will be a state-of-the-art facility and the Super-Trams will offer practical passenger benefits, such as low boarding access and wide interior walkways for wheelchair users. To complement these improvements, new shelters and ramped platforms are being constructed at popular and convenient locations along the route. The first Bombardier is due to arrive from Germany later this summer but the fleet will not enter service until Easter 2012.
