Plans have been submitted to build a brand-new £32m train station that would connect a Greater Manchester town to a rail network for the first time in more than 60 years.
Golborne in Wigan currently has no tram or train services to Manchester, and the proposed station would reduce journey times into the city centre by up to 30 minutes.
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said: “It has taken a huge effort to get us to this point, but we have finally reached a major milestone on the journey to reconnect Golborne to the rail network for the first time in over 60 years.
“The proposal is based on extremely sound evidence and huge progress has been made with a planning application being submitted and overwhelming support from local residents.
“This won’t just be transformative step for the local community. This station is a key element in our plans to bring rail into the Bee Network and will help unlock economic growth by opening up access to skilled jobs and opportunities across the city-region.
“This plan for the first new station in Greater Manchester in more than 20 years will give more people the option to use public transport. We’re thankful to the many residents who’ve had their say throughout this process and helped shaped these plans.”
Should the plans be approved, work on the site is scheduled to begin in 2026 before opening in 2027. The site would take over the old station off Railway Road, located on the West Coast Mainline.
The proposal includes a new accessible two-platform rail station 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 station would be delivered through locally devolved government funding.
- Words:
- Bradley Lengden
- Published on:
- Wed 20 Nov 2024
