New £32m Golborne train station approved as Wigan town set for rail return in 2027 after six decades
The £32m train station for the Wigan outpost town of Golborne has been given planning permission and a local company has been appointed to design it.
It will connect Golborne to the railway for the first time in more than 60 years.
Planning approval has followed the agreement in January of the business case for the station by the Government.
It means Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Wigan council, working with Government, will now develop a full business case and detailed design.
TfGM has appointed Golborne-based engineering firm Murphy to develop the final station designs. Subject to approval from Government, work is expected to begin in 2026 with the first trains expected to stop there in 2027.
Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham described the approval of the station as ‘a significant moment’ for the city region.
“Local residents have campaigned tirelessly for the restoration of rail services to Golborne,” he said. “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.”
Wigan council leader Coun David Molyneux said: “We have worked closely with TfGM 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.”
Murphy transportation managing director Chris Cayton sadi: ““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.”
MP for Leigh and Atherton Jo Platt also hailed the move, saying: ”The community in Golborne has 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.”