We’re pretty reliant on public transport here in Greater Manchester, and with 64 stations set to join the Bee Network by 2028, upgrades to existing infrastructure are beginning to get underway. Now, work to make Hindley station in Wigan accessible for everyone – from disabled passengers and older people to those travelling with pushchairs or heavy luggage – is set to get under way in February.
What is being done as part of the Hindley station upgrade?
The £6.5m upgrade will see Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) install two passenger lifts, transforming the 19th century station with step-free access to and from the platforms for the first time. A new footbridge is also being built from the booking hall at street level, providing direct access to platforms 1 and 2.
Transport for Greater Manchester, Network Rail and Northern Trains will also upgrade the station’s lighting and CCTV at the lifts and assistance areas, providing a better and safer experience for passengers.
As well as accessibility improvements at Hindley station, a proposed new Travel Hub will help more people access the Bee Network, providing improved park and ride facilities with more than 40 additional parking spaces – including electric vehicle (EV) charging points and blue badge spaces – a new bus layby, and a pick-up/drop off area. Improved pedestrian access between the Travel Hub and Hindley rail station will be provided underneath Ladies Lane bridge as part of the plans.
Hindley is one of the 64 Greater Manchester train stations set to join the Bee Network by 2028 – providing all the benefits of a truly integrated network connecting buses, trams, trains and active travel.
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: “Everyone should be able to use public transport easily, and the number of inaccessible train stations across Greater Manchester is an historic legacy that we are working hard to correct.
“Over a three-year period, we will deliver upgrades at ten stations – twice as many as in the past decade – so that two-thirds are step-free by spring 2028.
“It’s great to start the new year with confirmation that work will get underway at Hindley in just a few weeks’ time, enabling more people to use the rail network and unlock the city-region’s growing potential.”
Will the Hindley station upgrade cause any disruption to passengers?
The works have been planned to keep the station open throughout, with no impact on train services. During construction, the majority of work will take place on weekdays (between 7am and 6pm).
Some road closures may be required in 2026 to install the new lifts, with details confirmed closer to the time. A temporary staircase will be installed during the works, to provide access to both platforms, and tickets can be bought through the ticket machines on the station platforms, on websites, apps and on the train.