The 360-metre-long spur of track adding MediaCityUK to Manchester's tram network wasn't opened until 2010. Originally, there were services directly to Picadilly from MediaCityUK, which were later extended all the way to Ashton. More recently, most of the Eccles line trams go via MediaCityUK, and the Metrolink map has been updated to reflect this. Trams need to drive into the station, the driver has to walk to the other side and drive the tram out of the station in the opposite direction due to the nature of it.
The tram stop was added as part of the regeneration of the Salford Quays area, providing transport links to the many broadcasting studios in the area. When the BBC first trialed a show in their new MediaCityUK studios, there ended up being a power failure and a fire drill, involving the evacuation of all the crew and audience. Luckily, most of the issues are ironed out and many flagship shows are broadcast directly from Salford, including BBC breakfast, for example. The tram stop has direct access to gardens which are used for many purposes, including the Blue Peter Garden.
1. Construction of the new tram stop in March 2010
2. A tram bound for the Etihad Campus before services were extended directly to Ashton
3. The BBC studios behind the Metrolink stop
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