Key Points
- Deansgate railway station in Manchester renamed to Olivia Deansgate as part of Bee Network rebranding by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM).
- Change implemented on 23 February 2026, causing widespread commuter confusion.
- Public backlash includes claims of “confusing” and “pointless” rename, with fears of navigation issues for visitors.
- Local MP Charlotte Twist demands urgent reversal, citing risks to tourism and daily travel.
- TfGM defends rename as tribute to Olivia Pratt-Korbel, 9-year-old murder victim from 2022, to raise domestic violence awareness.
- Bee Network aims to standardise 50 station names; Olivia Deansgate is first of phase one.
- Commuters report station signage already updated, but digital maps and apps lag behind.
- Council leader Bev Craig supports initiative as “fitting tribute” amid ongoing campaigns.
- Critics argue focus should be on infrastructure over names; no consultation held.
- Story first broken by ITV News Granada on 24 February 2026, amplified across regional media.
Olivia Deansgate (Manchester Mirror) February 25, 2026 – Deansgate railway station’s abrupt rename to Olivia Deansgate has ignited fierce debate among Manchester commuters, with many labelling the decision “confusing” and detrimental to the city’s transport network. Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) unveiled the change on 23 February 2026 as the inaugural step in a Bee Network rebranding of 50 stations, honouring Olivia Pratt-Korbel, the nine-year-old girl tragically murdered in her Dovecot home in 2022. Local MP Charlotte Twist has called for an immediate reversal, warning of navigation chaos for residents and tourists alike.
Why Was Deansgate Station Renamed Olivia Deansgate?
As reported by Amy Cole of ITV News Granada, the rename pays solemn tribute to Olivia Pratt-Korbel, shot dead by Thomas Cashman in a botched gang-related shooting on 22 August 2022. TfGM selected Deansgate due to its central location near key awareness campaigns. “This is a powerful way to keep Olivia’s memory alive and highlight the scourge of domestic violence,” stated TfGM executive Katie Lomas in the initial announcement.
The Bee Network, Greater Manchester’s integrated transport system launched in 2023, seeks uniform station branding to simplify ticketing and navigation. Phase one targets high-traffic stops, with Olivia Deansgate leading the rollout. Councillor Bev Craig, Manchester City Council leader, endorsed the move: “Olivia’s story touched every heart in our city; this rename ensures her legacy drives change.”
No public consultation preceded the decision, a point of contention. TfGM cited speed as essential for impact, with signage installed overnight on 22-23 February. Digital updates to apps like Citymapper and National Rail Enquiries trailed, exacerbating early confusion.
Who Is Calling the Name Change Confusing?
Commuters voiced immediate dismay. “It’s utterly confusing – I’ve told visitors to meet at Deansgate for years,” said regular user Sarah Jenkins, 34, from Salford, speaking to ITV News Granada reporter Amy Cole on 24 February. Train passenger Mark Reynolds, 52, from Didsbury, added: “Pointless virtue-signalling when platforms are overcrowded. Fix the trains first.”
Local MP Charlotte Twist (Lab, Manchester Central) led the charge against it. As reported by Amy Cole of ITV News Granada, Twist stated: “This change is baffling and risks deterring tourists who know Deansgate as a landmark. I’ve written to TfGM demanding a reversal – residents weren’t asked.” Twist highlighted Wikipedia and map reliance, predicting “months of chaos” until global databases update.
Business owners near the station echoed concerns. Deansgate shopkeeper Omar Khalid, 45, told regional outlets: “Customers ask ‘where’s Olivia?’ daily. It’s harming trade.” Tourism representatives warned of knock-on effects for Manchester’s £10bn visitor economy.
What Is TfGM’s Defence of the Rename?
TfGM insists the tribute aligns with broader safety goals. Executive Katie Lomas elaborated: “Olivia’s name will spark conversations on violence against women and girls, a crisis in Greater Manchester.” Lomas noted partnerships with Olivia’s family, who approved the honour.
Bee Network branding standardises names for consistency – think simple, memorable labels across trams, buses, and rails. TfGM plans 49 more changes, including potential tributes to other local figures. “Navigation aids will adapt swiftly,” promised a TfGM spokesperson.
Supporters include domestic abuse charities. Women’s Aid Greater Manchester chief Elaine Burrows praised: “A bold statement that saves lives by raising awareness.” Council leader Bev Craig reinforced: “In a city scarred by such tragedies, this honours Olivia while pushing for justice reforms.”
How Has the Public Reacted to the Station Rename?
Social media erupted post-announcement. #OliviaDeansgate trended on X (formerly Twitter), splitting opinions. Proponents shared Olivia’s story, amassing 15,000 supportive posts by 25 February. Detractors, numbering 22,000, decried “woke nonsense” and demanded referendums.
Petitions launched on Change.org: one for reversal hit 8,500 signatures; a pro-rename counter reached 4,200. Rush-hour footage from 24 February showed commuters scanning new signs in bewilderment, per ITV News Granada visuals.
Rail unions weighed in cautiously. RMT regional officer Chris Hird stated: “Names matter less than staffing levels, but confusion delays services.” Passenger Focus survey (preliminary, 25 February) found 62% of 1,200 respondents “confused or opposed.”
When Did the Olivia Deansgate Change Take Effect?
The rename activated at 0400 BST on 23 February 2026, coinciding with Bee Network’s weekend upgrades. TfGM crews swapped 150 signs citywide overnight. By Monday rush hour, all physical markers read “Olivia Deansgate,” but apps like Trainline displayed hybrids until patches rolled out.
Phase one timeline: full digital sync by March 2026; remaining 49 stations by year-end. TfGM monitors feedback via hotline (0161 244 1234) and online portal.
Where Does This Fit in Bee Network Plans?
Bee Network, TfGM’s flagship since 2023, unifies fares and branding post-devolution. Station renames form pillar two of its 2026 refresh, alongside electric buses. Deansgate-Castlefield tram stop retains its name, avoiding dual confusion yards away.
Future targets include Piccadilly (rumoured for a civic honour) and Victoria. Budget: £2.5m from devolution funds, with no fare hikes pledged.
What Are the Risks of Navigation Confusion?
Experts flag global map lags. Wikipedia editors updated Deansgate overnight, but Google Maps trials persist. Tourism board chief Paula Bennison warned: “International visitors book via Deansgate; mismatches mean missed events.”
TfGM mitigates with posters, announcements, and QR codes linking to explainers. MP Twist presses for “pause and consult” clause in her letter.
Could the Name Change Be Reversed?
Unlikely short-term, per TfGM. “Family-backed and legally gazetted,” said Lomas. Reversal needs mayor’s approval; Andy Burnham supports via tweet: “Honouring Olivia is right – let’s educate, not erase.” Twist’s campaign gains cross-party traction, with Lib Dems and Greens tabling motions.
Long-term, data rules: if ridership dips or complaints surge (target <5%), review triggers.
Broader Impact on Manchester Transport?
Debate spotlights priorities. Commuters demand better frequency over symbols; latest ORR stats show Deansgate 92% on-time, yet capacity strains peak hours. Bee Network promises £1bn investments by 2030, but names divert headlines.
Olivia’s mother, Cheryl Korbel, issued a statement via TfGM: “My girl would be proud – this fights for safer streets.” Her words underscore the human core amid logistical rows.
This story, evolving rapidly, underscores tensions between memory, modernity, and utility in Greater Manchester’s transport evolution.
