the Northern Hub plans, the platforms will be extended to allow use by longer trains. The bay platform will be removed to allow the other platforms to be extended. Under controversial plans much of the nearby area's Victorian character will be razed, including the Salisbury pub, and the group of streets nearby known as 'Little Ireland'. Architecture The station had become dilapidated by the 1950s and, in connection with the electrification and modernisation programme of the Manchester to London Euston line in 1960, the old buildings were replaced by the current structure by architects William Robert Headley and Max Clendinning and structural engineer Hugh Tottenham. It was designed in a distinctive style in concrete and wood with curves bringing to mind the Sydney Opera House. The station is a grade II listed building. 'Pevsner' calls it "One of the most interesting and innovative buildings of the period ... the most ambitious example in this country of timber conoid shell roofing" (p. 36) and "One of the most remarkable and unusual stations in the country both for the architectural form and the technological interest...it is the most dramatic and it is an important example of the deployment of timber to achieve large roof spans incorporating clerestory lighting."(p. 178) The choice of timber was forced by the weak viaduct on which the station is situated; anything heavier could have compromised its structural strength. The station has three overlapping conoid structures although they are only viewable from above. The light conoid roofs allow for a column-free interior space, maximising space and reducing load. Despite its architectural acclaim, the structure began to deteriorate within ten years. The roof started to leak and for years the station's platform buildings were encased in scaffolding and other metalwork, partly to support the structure and prevent material falling on the platforms and passengers. Partial remedial refurbishment was completed in 2004. Service pattern Northern Trains 1tph to via 2tph to via Bolton 1tph to via 1tph to via (stopping service) 11tpd to 4tpd to 4tph to Manchester Airport TransPennine Express 1tph to 1tph to 1tph to via (semi-fast) 2tph to 1tp2h to 1tp2h to Transport for Wales 1tph to or (2 trains per day, weekdays only; 1 to Bangor on Saturdays only) via Chester (some services terminate at Chester) 1tph to East Midlands Railway 1tph to via (fast) 1tph to via This is reduced on a Sunday, most services