The Metrolink network will be back up to full strength in time for the Christmas rush as the Piccadilly and Piccadilly Gardens stops reopen tomorrow.

The stops had been closed as part of a major improvement project by Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE) to upgrade the track in Manchester city centre.

Metrolink bosses also took the opportunity to refurbish the Piccadilly rail station stop during the closure.

The new-look stop now features a new entrance, new signs, and a brighter look incorporating the colours of Metrolink’s new identity.

Behind the scenes engineering changes will also speed up the turnaround time of trams at Piccadilly station, making the system more efficient.

Philip Purdy, GMPTE’s Metrolink Director, said: “This latest track replacement work follows last year’s successful improvements on the Bury and Altrincham lines and I’m pleased to say that it has also been completed on time and within budget.

“I’d like to thank passengers for bearing with us during the upgrades – I’m sure they will find their tram journeys are smoother, quieter and more reliable as a result. The new-look Piccadilly stop at the train station is a real improvement too – it has a much fresher and brighter feel to it.

“This is just the start of a major project to improve the system, with new ticket machines, new trams, further stop upgrades and more extensions on the way – to help us deliver the system that passengers have been asking for.”

The city centre track is the busiest on the network with trams travelling over some sections more than 250 times every day.

"This will increase to up to 400 times a day when the new Metrolink lines to Chorlton, Droylsden and Oldham and Rochdale open.

The rest of the project to upgrade the city centre track will take place next year.