Imagine my amusement when, only a couple of days after having written my "final" entry for the Britain by Bus blog, I received an email from Nikki at Tangerine PR asking whether I'd like to attend the unveiling of a new charity book celebrating the centenary of Princess Road bus depot. With the proceeds going to Moss Side-based charity Manchester Young Lives, which offers youth work, educational and training programmes to children and young people in some of the most disadvantaged areas of Manchester, it's certainly a worthy cause. Given that Stagecoach Group were kind enough to support my trip on behalf of The Christie, it was the least I could do to go along and find out more.
For those who aren't aware of the Princess Road depot, it's located on the main eponymous dual carriageway that leads into Manchester city centre from the south through Moss Side. Built for Manchester Corporation Tramways in 1909, it was originally constructed for trams but these days houses buses belonging to Stagecoach Manchester – one of four main depots they operate out of. Around 200 vehicles are based there, including many of the latest examples of low-floor double deckers and a sizeable contingent of older vehicles used on Magic Bus services along Wilmslow Road.
The book itself spans from 1909 to present day, with pictures dating from the early tram days cheek-and-jowl with interior shots of the depot featuring the buses of today. There are 60 full-colour pages, although bear in mind that the early photos are in black and white or sepia-toned. It isn't all about the vehicles either – it's about the memories and recollections from the men and women who have served the community working on the trams and buses. At the ceremony I managed to speak to one of the contributors, whose grandfather John Bartley is pictured on the right. Born in 1876, he started working on the trams in 1906. He was still working in the 1930s, evidenced by one of his payslips that was discovered during the research of the book.
As for the future of Princess Road depot, it's earmarked for demolition and redevlopment. A purpose built replacement depot is currently under construction in Sharston – with managing director Mark Threapleton aiming to move in during the summer next year. The new location will be in a more industrial area, unlike the terraced housing that surrounds Princess Road which belongs to an era when people lived closer to their place of employment. There will be a link to the old depot however: the cast metal war memorial from Princess Road (currently undergoing repair) will find a home at the new depot.
How to purchase the book
Further details on how to purchase the book can be found on the Stagecoach Manchester website.
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