Secretary of state for transport Mr Chris Grayling has granted TfGM legal powers to build a new 5.5km line, with works beginning later this year, and operations beginning by 2020-21.

Completion of the line will provide links for thousands of workers in the area, connecting people to business, leisure and retail. Trafford Park is the largest employment zone in Greater Manchester outside of the city centre and is home to over 1300 businesses and more than 33,000 jobs.

The new line will increase the network to over 106.5km, with 99 stops, and will branch off from the existing Pomona stop and will have six new tram stops including Wharfside, near Old Trafford football stadium.

The £350m funding package to build the line was secured by Greater Manchester Combined Authority through the “earn back” funding agreement as part of the Greater Manchester devolution deal.

Metrolink has tripled in size in recent years through a £1.5bn expansion, making it the largest light rail network in Britain.