Greater Manchester station to open for the first time in 60 years - here's where
Plans are now in motion for a new train station which will be located in Golborne, Wigan. This will connect the area to the rail network for the first time in 60 years.
Wigan council has greenlit the project and have employed a local company to design the station.
Transport for Greater Manchester, said: “Greater Manchester has ambitious plans to bring eight commuter rail lines into the Bee Network by 2028. The new station – which will reconnect Golborne to the railway for the first time in more than 60 years – is part of the city-region's wider plans to improve connectivity for communities as part of the first fully-integrated transport system outside London.”
They said: “To deliver this work, 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 hoped to stop there in 2027.”
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.”
He said: “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.”
Golborne has no direct tram, train or bus to Manchester and so this installation would massively reduce journey times to the city centre.
Transport for Greater Manchester, said: “The station includes plans for a new accessible two-platform rail station including step-free access throughout, a new hourly service between Wigan and Manchester Victoria and onwards to Stalybridge, an improved town centre car park, and new walking and cycling links to the town centre.”
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.”