Stagecoach to close Princess Road depot

BUS company Stagecoach Manchester is to close its 100 year-old depot at Princess Road in Moss Side and move to a new £6.5m state-of-the-art depot at Sharston, near Wythenshawe.

More than 500 workers have been transferred to the site, which will house and maintain around 200 buses, including the fleet of 30 new “hybrid” electric buses (pictured) introduced last September.

The Princess Road site has been bought by Manchester City Council as part of its plan to regenerate the Moss Side area.

Chris Bowles, managing director of Stagecoach Manchester, commented: “The launch of the new depot at Sharston marks the start of a new chapter for Stagecoach Manchester.

“We are sad to be leaving Princess Road, and Moss Side, but with our new depot we will be able to achieve best environmental practices, as well as improving the working environment to a higher than industry standard.

“The new depot will allow us to provide even better service to the people of South Manchester, and we look forward to becoming part of the Sharston community.”

A ceremony marking the opening will take place next month led by the Lord Mayor of Manchester, Cllr Mark Hackett.