Frustrated after talks over plans to extend the Metrolink ground to a halt, Trafford Centre began seeking out alternative forms of public transport.
It might sound like the plot of a Simpsons episode, but in the late 90s that's exactly what bosses at the giant shopping mall were considering. At the time the Trafford Centre could only be reached by car, bus or on foot.
And, one of the more eye-catching ideas, was what the Manchester Evening News dubbed a 'Skyway to the shops' -ie a monorail, an elevated, single-track railway. A large chunk of the money needed was in place. Peel Holdings, then owners of the shopping centre, had already pledged £23m towards the Metrolink extension, with Manchester United also reportedly ready to contribute to any public transport plans which would alleviate traffic problems on match days.
"Trafford council is determined to create a fixed-rail transport network into the industrial park and are already looking at the possibility of building a monorail," the M.E.N. reported. "The monorail would be a major boost as it would provide transport for more 55,000 workers at Trafford Park and would also benefits thousands of football fans who regularly travel to Manchester United.
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