Thousands of morning rush hour customers were able to get off at the revamped tram stop for the first time, or carry on their journey through to the north and east of the city.

At the same time, a full Eccles line service has been restored following extensive track replacement work to ensure the continued safe and reliable running of trams along the route for many years to come.

It’s the first time in nine weeks a daytime commuter service has run through St Peter’s Square after Transport for Greater Manchester’s (TfGM) 14-month project to build the new stop.

Services recommenced on Sunday (28 August) following a thorough testing and commissioning process after Metrolink contractor M-Pact Thales (MPT) handed over the worksite to the Metrolink operator.

The much bigger tram stop is now more central to the square and features two new platforms and two sets of track. More than 20 trees have been planted throughout the square during construction work including four on the stop itself – a first for Metrolink.

Services are now running on the revamped original city crossing along Mosley Street. Finishing works are continuing around the stop and the square area, and to connect with the new Second City Crossing line currently under construction along Princess Street.

When the new city crossing opens through to the Exchange Square stop next year, the expanded St Peter’s Square stop will allow more frequent and reliable services to run through the city.

Daytime services on the East Didsbury line have already increased from every 12 to every six minutes, while the original Altrincham – Bury line route has also been revived. See a Metrolink network map.

Councillor Andrew Fender, Chair of the TfGM Committee, said: “It’s great to hear the familiar toot of the horn again in one of the city’s most important civic squares.

“Commuters are at the heart of the Metrolink service and I’d like to thank everyone for their patience over the summer.

“Millions of customers pass through St Peter’s Square every year and ultimately the new expanded stop will be able to handle even more passenger as the city and wider region continues to thrive and grow.

“There’s still work to do as we get the Second City Crossing line ready for services early next year, but having trams back running through the new stop is a big landmark for the project and the future of Metrolink in the city.”

Sir Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “Passengers will welcome the reopening of the St Peter’s Square stop, making travelling through the city centre much easier.

“This is another major milestone towards the St Peter’s Square transformation that will be completed in the New Year.”

Michael Magrane, General Manager of the Midland Hotel, also welcomed the return of services, saying: “The Midland Hotel is one of Manchester city centre’s most iconic landmarks and we’ve always been extremely proud to be situated so closed to St Peter’s Square.

“Not only will our customers have an impressive new square to look out upon but they also have a first-class transport system in Metrolink on the doorstep.”

The new St Peter’s Square stop is part of Manchester City Council’s flagship redevelopment of this major civic space into a more welcoming area and an integral part of the transformational Grow project.

More than £1 billion is being invested into city centre infrastructure improvements by 2017, including the Metrolink Second City Crossing, bus priority measures, six new and better cycle routes into the city centre and major rail improvements.

To find out more about Metrolink services visit www.metrolink.co.uk, call Metrolink Customer Services on 0161 205 2000 or follow @MCRMetrolink on Twitter for live travel updates.