There were plans to take the line to Rugby, but for a number of reasons, including lack of finance, they were put in abeyance.
A section between Heaton Norris and a temporary station at Travis Street in Manchester was opened first in 1840 carrying nearly two thousand passengers in the first twenty weeks.
Services were extended to Sandbach but entry to Crewe, where it would use GJR metals to Birmingham, proved more difficult.
Although the company's finances remained weak, it built a number of short branches, and, although a minor player, its position made it a crucial part in revived plans for the Trent and Churnet valleys, which involved the London and Birmingham Railway with which they would compete.
In the event it only reached Rowsley due to financial difficulties, but the merger was a considerable embarrassment to the Midland, since the LNWR was naturally opposed to a competing line to the capital.
The south entrance arch is made from ashlar buff sandstone, and is Grade II listed.