A new £32M station is proposed for Golborne, aimed at reconnecting the town to the rail network after over six decades.
- The station is part of a broader strategy to integrate public transport across Greater Manchester by 2028.
- Features of the station include two accessible platforms with step-free access, lifts, and a footbridge.
- An hourly service is planned between Wigan and Manchester Victoria, extending to Stalybridge with local journey time reductions.
- Public consultation showed strong local support, with construction anticipated to begin in 2026.
A significant development is underway with the submission of a planning application to Wigan Council, proposing to establish a £32M railway station in Golborne. The town has been without direct rail access for more than 60 years, marking this project a pivotal step in reconnecting its residents to wider transport networks. This initiative is a key part of a larger effort to enhance public transport across Greater Manchester by integrating eight commuter lines into the Bee Network by the year 2028.
Planned features for the new station include two platforms, complete with step-free access, lifts to ensure accessibility, and a connecting footbridge. Importantly, the proposed services will operate hourly, connecting Wigan and Manchester Victoria, and further extending to Stalybridge. This will substantially benefit Golborne and its surrounding areas by reducing travel time to the city centre by up to 30 minutes, thus improving connectivity for local residents.
Currently, Golborne lacks direct transport links to Manchester, making this development particularly crucial for improving local infrastructure. This proposal also addresses similar concerns for Leigh, identified as England’s largest town without a railway station, and the populous Lowton area, which remains disconnected from the rail system.
Local support for the station has been overwhelmingly positive, as evidenced by a public consultation earlier this year that drew nearly 3,000 responses, with over 90% expressing their backing for the proposal. The station’s design and planning have involved collaboration among Transport for Greater Manchester, Wigan Council, and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority. If approved, construction is set to commence in 2026, aiming for a 2027 opening.
Aside from improved transportation, the new station is expected to enhance local regeneration, supporting the Golborne & Lowton West Neighbourhood Plan. Positioned strategically on the West Coast Main Line, it will offer easier access to Haydock Park Racecourse, potentially easing road traffic during events and fostering greater local investment. This comprehensive plan, funded through devolved local government resources, includes proposals for upgraded cycling and walking paths as part of Golborne’s town centre Masterplan.
Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, has emphasised the significance of the project, stating that it represents a major milestone in re-establishing Golborne’s connectivity. He highlighted the soundness of the proposal’s evidence base and the substantial progress made following the planning application and strong local endorsement.
The project has also been welcomed by Jo Platt, MP for Leigh and Atherton, who acknowledged the area’s long-standing lack of rail access and the potential benefits to residents in terms of employment, education, and leisure connectivity, marking it as a substantial enhancement to the quality of life in Golborne.
The proposed Golborne station marks a major advancement in reconnecting the town to Greater Manchester’s rail network, promising significant social and economic benefits.
