Manchester Central has become one of the first major venues in the UK to have electric vehicle charging points installed.
The North of England’s leading conference, events and exhibitions venue has had three charging points installed to support a scheme which is seeing a new electric vehicle infrastructure installed across Manchester.
The new charging points, which can be used immediately, are part of a raft of new sustainable initiatives planned at Manchester Central building on its success in 2012 when it became one of the first venues to achieve the international standard for events sustainability – IS0 20121.
Angie Robinson, Chief Executive of Manchester Central, said: “We pride ourselves on being one of the most sustainable venues in the UK. We aim to be recognised as a global venue and benchmark for business tourism through excellence in sustainability.
“We are seeing more electric vehicle models in the market and the Government predicts that there will be a steady increase of electric vehicles on our roads over the coming years. It is important that we are ahead of the game by ensuring we are a flagship electric vehicle charging venue.”
Manchester Central is supporting the Greater Manchester Electric Vehicle scheme (GMEV), led by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM).
As part of the GMEV scheme an electric charging point network is being created across the city. TFGM is working with the Greater Manchester local authorities to identify locations and install a range of charge points for EVs, which will be operational in the summer. Private sector businesses such as Manchester Central are providing their own charging bays to supplement the network.
Sir Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council and Vice Chair of Greater Manchester Combined Authorities, said: “Electric vehicles, from family cars to scooters or fleet vehicles, are going to transform the way we live and work.
“We are launching an innovative charging network right across Greater Manchester. Studies show that a network such as this is the key to getting drivers to consider a switch to electric. The take up of electric vehicles will improve air quality and reduce noise pollution and therefore create a better environment for residents and visitors to the region.”
The GMEV scheme will be operated by Charge Your Car (CYC) a leader in EV charging networks. CYC will manage the payments and access to the GMEV scheme on behalf of TfGM.
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