Manchester Victoria reopens after £44m upgrade Published duration 6 October 2015

media caption A time-lapse video shows some of the first commuters using Manchester Victoria railway station

Manchester's Victoria railway station has officially reopened following a £44m upgrade.

The modernisation project included a new £20m roof and restoration of the station's period features.

Run by Network Rail, the project included a tram stop with four new platforms and three new tracks that reopened in February

It comes after Victoria was labelled Britain's "worst station" in a 2009 Department for Transport report

'Symbol of opportunity'

Unveiling a plaque, Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said the redevelopment was a "remarkable project".

The roof had leaked since 1996 when it was damaged by an IRA bomb which exploded in the city centre.

image copyright Network Rail image caption The new roof allows natural light into the station

Mr McLoughlin said: "It's fantastic to see Manchester Victoria once again a station fit for the city. It's now a symbol of opportunity, not neglect."

Victoria station first opened in January 1844. Some six million passengers use the station each year.

Network Rail chief executive Mark Carne said: "For far too long people travelling in and out of Manchester Victoria had to make do with a tired and dark station."

image copyright Network Rail image caption New steps and concourse of Manchester Victoria railway station

image copyright Network Rail image caption Manchester Victoria station opened in 1844 and encompasses a number of Grade II listed buildings and features