A MAJOR public consultation on proposals to build a new Metrolink line through Trafford Park is due to begin next month.

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) Committee is due to submit a report on plans for the 5.5km line, which would run from the existing Pomona stop on a largely off-street route through to the Trafford Centre.

Six new stops are planned near to key destinations, including Wharfside for Old Trafford, the Imperial War Museum North, Trafford Park Village, Parkway, EventCity and the Trafford Centre.

Subject to TfGM Committee approval at a meeting on June 20, a wide-ranging 12-week public consultation will launch on July 4.

Leader of Trafford Council, Cllr Sean Anstee, has welcomed the proposals.

He said: "Securing delivery of the Metrolink Trafford Park line is a key commitment in the Trafford Conservatives manifesto, and indeed is a transport priority across Greater Manchester.

"I warmly welcome this period of consultation and encourage all residents and businesses of Trafford to respond in a supportive manner so that we can further seek to ensure progress is made towards implementation of this vital infrastructure project."

Drop-in events will be held at around a dozen public venues on the route, alongside business events and one-to-one visits.

Peter Cushing, Metrolink director at Transport for Greater Manchester said: “Taking Metrolink to Trafford Park has long been an investment priority for Greater Manchester and we’re making real inroads towards making that a reality.

“Trafford Park is the largest major employment centre outside the city centre, with employees travelling from across the region.

“The new Metrolink line would vastly improve sustainable transport links to the area and give more people across Greater Manchester better access to jobs and leisure.

“Feedback from businesses and the wider public will be crucial in helping us to finalise the scheme ahead of applying for government powers later this year.”

The proposed Trafford Park route runs from the Pomona stop along the Manchester Ship Canal, following Trafford Wharf Road and Warren Bruce Road before running through the Village area of Trafford Park.

It then crosses Parkway Circle – where a nearby Park and Ride is proposed – and the Bridgewater Canal before terminating at the Trafford Centre.