We’re pretty hot on public transport here in Manchester, and now a brand new train station is one step further to being added to the network in Golborne. Golborne in Wigan is a popular commuter area into Manchester, and now a planning application for the new £32m station has been submitted to Wigan Council.
The application includes plans for a new accessible two-platform rail station including step-free access throughout with a footbridge across the tracks and lifts to both platforms; 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.
The project would deliver the new Golborne train station, the city-region’s first new railway station in more than 20 years, and the planning application follows a public consultation earlier this year when nearly 3,000 people had their say on the station proposals, with over 90% of respondents supporting the plans. The proposed station would be on the West Coast Main Line, five miles south of Wigan North Western station and one mile north of Golborne Junction – near to the site of the previous Golborne Station.
The ambitious plans form a key part of the Bee Network – Greater Manchester’s vision for a joined-up London-style public transport system – and the scheme forms part of significant investment locally to support GMCA’s ambitions to make local rail an integral part of the Bee Network by 2030.
Links to the proposed station would be provided by new walking and cycling routes, as well as existing bus services.
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said: “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.
“The proposal is based on extremely sound evidence and huge progress has been made with a planning application being submitted and overwhelming support from local residents.
“This won’t just be 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.”
Golborne currently has no direct bus, train or tram services to Manchester, so train services would reduce journey times into Manchester city centre by up to 30 minutes. Nearby Leigh is the biggest town in England without a rail station, while the wider area – including Lowton – is the largest and most populous area in Greater Manchester not connected to the rail network.
If the plans for Golborne Train Station are approved, work on site should begin in 2026 with the new station scheduled to open in 2027 – improving access to travel, work and leisure opportunities in the city-region.