Golborne station to be built as part of £32 million project

Wigan Council has approved the planning application for the station, and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has appointed a local company to design it.

The new station will reconnect Golborne to the railway for the first time in more than 60 years.

This is part of Greater Manchester's plan to improve connectivity for communities as part of the first fully-integrated transport system outside London.

The 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."

TfGM has appointed Golborne-based engineering firm Murphy to develop the final station designs.

Subject to approval from the government, jobs" target="_blank">work is expected to begin in 2026, with the first trains hoped to stop there in 2027.

The station includes plans for a new accessible two-platform rail station with step-free access throughout.

There will be a new hourly service between Wigan and Manchester Victoria and onwards to Stalybridge.

The plans also include an improved town centre car park and new walking and cycling links to the town centre.

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."

Murphy will now take forward the proposals to deliver detailed designs, which will support the station’s final business case.

Chris Cayton, transportation managing director at Murphy, said: "With offices in Stonecross and Golborne, we were particularly delighted to be appointed the first phase of this project alongside our valued supply chain, including design partner WSP, to greatly improve transport links in the local area for the benefit of the surrounding communities."