However, the station remained operational for just 14 years before closing its doors in 1844, following the opening of Manchester Victoria station nearby. Despite this, it continued to serve as a goods depot until 1975, before finally closing and being preserved shortly thereafter. According to Guinness World Records, it is the oldest surviving station building in the world, reports the Mirror.

Now enjoying Grade I Listed status, the station forms part of the Science and Industry Museum. However, during its prime, it played a key role in shaping Britain’s railway infrastructure.

The site boasted a brick viaduct, canal-style warehouses, and one of the earliest modern girder bridges, enabling trains to cross Water Street in Manchester city centre. Passengers arrived at the station via horse-drawn carriage, with first and second-class travellers required to purchase their tickets in separate halls.

Luggage was then hoisted onto the carriage roof, with passengers allowed to board once a bell rang — this very same bell is still on display within the station building today.

Passenger services at the station came to a halt when the neighbouring Victoria station opened its doors in 1844, after which it served as a goods yard from 1923 until 1948.

Following the nationalisation of Britain’s railways in 1948, British Railways took over the site until it shut down nearly three decades later.

Upon closure, Granada Studios took over one of the warehouses, using part of it as the Coronation Street set. The National Transport Trust states that after Liverpool Road ceased rail operations in the 1970s, Earlestown Station in nearby Newton-le-Willows took the title of Britain’s oldest operational station.

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