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 the planning application for the new £32m station has been approved by 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 will 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 last year when nearly 3,000 people had their say on the station proposals, with over 90% of respondents supporting the plans. The station will 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 station would be provided by new walking and cycling routes, as well as existing bus services.
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.
“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.”
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.
“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.”
Golborne currently has no direct bus, train or tram services to Manchester, so train services wil 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.
Work on Golborne Train Station are set to begin in 2026 with the new station scheduled to open in 2027 – improving access to travel, work and leisure opportunities in the city-region.