Huge Manchester Airport project promised to let Manchester 'prosper and thrive' - has it?

As the first Metrolink left Cornbrook for Manchester Airport, passengers could be forgiven for doing a double-take at the driver.

Behind the wheel sat a stern-faced George Osborne, then Chancellor of the Exchequer and architect of the ill-fated Northern Powerhouse. His presence was evidence of the day's significance.

Ten years ago this week, the Manchester Airport Metrolink line opened to passengers for the first time to much fanfare. Built at a cost of £398m, it was a long-held ambition and the realisation of years of hard work, campaigning and behind-the-scenes lobbying.

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It was a huge undertaking. Two bridges had to be built across the M60 and M56 to allow for the new 18km-long 19 stop line as well as 28 crossing points with roads, in what at the time was the country's biggest civil engineering project.

Major remodelling work was also carried out in Wythenshawe town centre to allow the trams to pass through.

And in an age when it seems like most big infrastructure projects come in late and over budget, it was also notable for opening a year ahead of schedule.

The first tram was filled with dignitaries and Metrolink enthusiasts. They were greeted at the airport by cabin crew.

Speaking at the opening, Coun Andrew Fender, then chairman of the Transport for Greater Manchester Committee, described the line as a 'catalyst for great change and growth'.

Mr Osborne, who was also in town to announce a new devolution deal for Greater Manchester, said it would herald the beginning of a 'Oyster-style travelcard system' and a London-style system of bus franchising which would enable 'seamless' connections between buses, trams and trains.

He added: "These are really the sort of transport improvements that will not only allow Manchester to prosper and thrive, but also help turn our vision of a northern powerhouse economy into reality."

Remarkably it's only now, a decade later, that that vision is becoming a reality. But since then millions of people have used the line.

And looking back this week, former councillor Keith Whitmore, who was involved in much of the planning and realisation of the extension, said the opening was a major milestone in the expansion of the Metrolink.

He added: "It was particularly interesting and difficult, but also a very exciting time. It made a huge difference and it was a very significant development.

"The main purpose of it was staffing - getting people to work at the airport. So many airport staff live in Wythenshawe so it was about linking them up, especially the early and late connections, and that's exactly what it did.

"And it's also been vital for Wythenshawe. I think you can see now the regeneration of Wythenshawe and Metrolink has been the conduit for that."

Ian Davies, TfGM’s Network Director for Metrolink, said: "The Metrolink line to Manchester Airport has provided a handy, easy to access public transport link and better connections to the city centre and the rest of Greater Manchester - helping people to access jobs, education, vital public services and leisure opportunities.

"It’s also delivered a range of broader social and economic benefits for the areas like Wythenshawe, helping to attract more investment and supporting regeneration while also improving air quality as more people living in the area are choosing to travel by tram rather than by car.

"The ongoing delivery of the Bee Network will see these benefits continue to grow over the coming years, with buses in the south of Greater Manchester coming under local control from January 5 and the introduction of contactless, pay as you go launching from March 23. That will mean passengers will be able to travel across both Metrolink and Bee Network bus services and be charged a single, multi-modal fare which will be automatically worked out for them – rather than having to plan ahead or buy tickets in advance."