A planning application for a 32 million GBP railway station in Golborne has been submitted to Wigan Council.
This project will reconnect the town to the rail network after more than 60 years. It will be Greater Manchester’s first new railway station in over two decades, forming part of a broader vision to integrate commuter lines into the Bee Network by 2028.
The station will feature two platforms with step-free access, footbridges, and lifts. An improved town centre carpark and new walking and cycling links will also be constructed.
Golborne will be served by hourly trains between Wigan, Manchester Victoria, and Stalybridge, resulting in reduced travel times to Manchester city centre by up to 30 minutes.
Currently, Golborne has no direct bus, tram, or train connections to Manchester. The station will therefore support the town’s regeneration ambitions, enhance local connectivity, and provide access to employment, education, and leisure opportunities.
This proposal is a key component in Greater Manchester’s move toward a London-style public transport system, improving accessibility and reducing car dependency.
“It has taken a huge effort to get us to this point, but we have finally reached a major milestone on the journey to reconnect Golborne to the rail network for the first time in over 60 years.
“This won’t just be a transformative step for the local community. This station is a key element in our plans to bring rail into the Bee Network and will help unlock economic growth by opening up access to skilled jobs and opportunities across the city region.
“This plan for the first new station in Greater Manchester in more than 20 years will give more people the option to use public transport. We’re thankful to the many residents who’ve had their say throughout this process and helped shaped these plans.”
The proposals, developed by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), Wigan Council, and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, received strong backing during public consultations. Of nearly 3,000 responses, over 90% supported the plans.
Pending approval, construction is set to begin in 2026, with the station opening in 2027. The station would be delivered through locally devolved government funding.
“Having advocated for the re-opening of Golborne station since first being in parliament in 2017, I’m pleased to see significant progress being made.
“The area has been without rail connectivity for over 60 years, so I welcome the much-needed connectivity that this will bring to residents. It will better connect the local community to jobs, education and leisure activities, and is a major step towards making Golborne an even greater place to live and work.”
