Wigan Council has approved a planning application for a new, 32 million GBP train station in Golborne.
The station, which aims to reconnect Golborne to the railway for the first time in 60 years, forms part of Greater Manchester’s plans to improve connectivity across communities as part of its Bee Network – the first fully-integrated transport system outside London.
If successful, the new station includes plans for a new, accessible two-platform rail station with step-free access, new hourly services between Wigan and Manchester Victoria and onwards to Stalybridge, a new town centre car park and both new walking & cycling links.
The initial go-ahead for the station’s outline business case was given in January, with Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Wigan Council now working closely with government for a full business case, as well as a detailed design specification.
Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said:This is a significant moment for Greater Manchester, with the approval of the planning application for Golborne station bringing us closer to reconnecting Golborne to the railway network for the first time in more than 60 years.
Local residents have campaigned tirelessly for the restoration of rail services to Golborne. This approval is a victory for the community and a step towards realising our shared vision for better connectivity, easing congestion on local roads, reducing carbon emissions and supporting economic growth.
We are committed to moving forward at pace with this project and bringing rail into the Bee Network – making it easier to get around the city-region. To have such a respected partner like Murphy on board to take the station through detailed design is a fantastic result, and we can then move swiftly through to construction. With roots in the community, they understand how better connections will open up access to skilled jobs and opportunities across the city-region while making Golborne an even greater place to live and work.
TfGM has appointed Golborne-based engineering firm, Murphy, to develop final design proposals for the station itself, with work expected to begin in 2026, pending approval from government, and first services beginning in 2027.
Chris Cayton, Transportation Managing Director at Murphy, said:With offices in Stonecross and Golborne, we were particularly delighted to be appointed the first phase of this project alongside our valued supply chain, including design partner WSP, to greatly improve transport links in the local area for the benefit of the surrounding communities.
As a company, Murphy is focused on improving life by delivering world-class infrastructure and this project will do just that.
Once complete, the new station will act as part of one of eight new commuter rail lines operating as part of the Bee Network, with TfGM stating aiming to have these new lines incorporated by 2028.
The decision to re-introduce the station at Golborne was made following high levels of support at a public consultation in 2024, with the ensuing planning application submitted to Wigan Council in November of that year. The new service would mark the only direct public transport service from Golborne to Manchester.
Leader of Wigan Council, Councillor David Molyneux MBE, said:The Council has worked closely with Transport for Greater Manchester, ensuring the new station will deliver the best for the local community and wider area, and connect Golborne to the rail network for the first time in decades.
Community wealth building, keeping the local pound in our borough, and supporting our local supply chain is a real priority for us and I am delighted that a local, Golborne-based company has been appointed to deliver the next phase of this exciting project.
The new Golborne station will make a real difference to people’s lives and our wider region and this announcement is another step forward in making it a reality.
The new station is set to be delivered entirely through locally devolved government funding.
Jo Platt, MP for Leigh and Atherton, said:The community in Golborne have been waiting a long time for this. After years of campaigning and planning, it’s fantastic to see Golborne station reach this next milestone.
This important transport infrastructure will bring better connectivity, help to reduce congestion and support local economic growth. Connectivity and growth across all of Leigh and Atherton is extremely important to me and I am excited to see the benefits this will bring to the town.
The newly proposed station is set to be situated along the West Coast Main Line, five miles south of Wigan North Western station and one mile north of Golborne Junction and include a full suite of safety features including CCTV, lighting both inside and outside the station, digital information screens and full step-free access throughout.
