Construction is officially underway on Golborne’s new railway station, marking Greater Manchester’s first new rail stop of the 21st century and restoring train links to the area for the first time in more than 60 years. The news shortly follows on from the announcement of work beginning on a new railway station in Cheadle, Stockport.
The new Golborne station will serve a community that currently lacks direct public transport into Manchester
Located on the West Coast Main Line near the town’s original station site, the new facility will serve a community that currently lacks direct bus, train or tram services into Manchester. Once operational in 2028, an hourly Wigan-to-Stalybridge service via Manchester Victoria will trim travel times into the city centre by up to 30 minutes while seamlessly linking passengers into the broader Bee Network.
Funded through locally devolved government funds, the project is being delivered by Transport for Greater Manchester in partnership with the GMCA and Wigan Council. Beyond improving regional transit, carbon efficiency, and employment access, the build features a new pedestrian footbridge across the tracks to reconnect parts of the town previously separated by the rail line. The project aligns with ongoing Bee Network expansion, following the recent launch of the 612 bus route connecting Wigan, Golborne, and St Helens.
“People in Golborne have been crying out for better transport links.”
Visiting the site, Bev Craig, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: “People in Golborne have been crying out for better transport links. We’ve listened and we’re building a brand-new train station that will re-connect the community to the rail network for the first time in more than 60 years.
“It’s a big moment for Greater Manchester too – our first new train station in more than 25 years – and I can’t wait to board the first trains stopping here. It’s brilliant to see work getting going on site.
“We’re working with the rail industry to better join-up rail services with our buses and trams. I’ve promised to continue to grow the Bee Network and this is another big step on that journey to connect our communities better than ever before.”
Passenger services from Golborne station are expected to begin by Spring 2028
Designed with accessibility and safety as top priorities, the new station will feature step-free access throughout, platform lifts, a connecting footbridge, digital information displays, waiting shelters, ticket machines, emergency intercoms, and comprehensive CCTV and lighting. Active travel connections around the site will also see major upgrades, with improved walking, wheeling, and cycling paths—complete with safer crossings—linking the town centre, station, and neighbouring car park.
As part of the wider development, the adjacent town centre car park will be resurfaced and outfitted with upgraded lighting and CCTV. Local engineering firm Murphy, based in Golborne, has been awarded the construction contract, with passenger services slated to begin by Spring 2028. The project team will work closely with nearby residents and businesses throughout the build to keep the community informed and minimise day-to-day disruption.
“After years of planning and partnership working, it is fantastic to see these plans becoming a reality.”
Cllr Nazia Rehman, Leader of Wigan Council, said: “I’m incredibly proud to see work beginning on Golborne’s new train station, which marks a major milestone for the community and a significant investment in the town’s future.
“Linking the town to the railway for the first time in more than 60 years, this project will greatly improve connectivity, open up new opportunities for residents and businesses, and support economic growth across the area.
“After years of planning and partnership working, it is fantastic to see these plans becoming a reality. I look forward to watching the station take shape and to the lasting benefits it will bring for generations to come.”
Jo Platt, MP for Leigh and Atherton, who kick-started a petition calling for the reopening of Golborne railway station back in 2019, says it is “now incredibly encouraging to see this long-held ambition finally beginning to take shape”.
The MP added: “The reopening of the station will be a significant boost for the town, strengthening connectivity for local residents, improving access to employment and education, and helping to unlock new opportunities for economic growth and inward investment. I look forward to seeing the project progress and the return of the railway to Golborne.”
Find out more information about the station plans here.
