Plans for a £32m station in Golborne – which would connect the town to the rail network for the first time in more than 60 years – has been submitted to Wigan Council.
The Golborne station scheme forms part of a significant investment that would support Greater Manchester’s ambitions to bring eight commuter lines into Bee Network by 2028, helping to create a fully integrated London-style public transport system.
This latest milestone outlines Greater Manchester’s plans to transform connectivity, opening access to jobs and opportunities for people in the town and wider borough through the Bee Network.
Golborne currently has no direct bus, train or tram services to Manchester, so train services would reduce journey times into Manchester city centre by up to 30 minutes.
Nearby Leigh is the biggest town in England without a rail station, while the wider area – including Lowton – is the largest and most populous area in Greater Manchester not connected to the rail network.
The application includes plans for a new accessible two-platform rail station including step-free access throughout 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.
Earlier this year nearly 3,000 people had their say on the station proposals, which have been developed by Transport for Greater Manchester, Wigan Council and Greater Manchester Combined Authority, with over 90% of respondents supporting the plans.
If the plans are approved, work on site should begin in 2026 with the new station scheduled to open in 2027 – improving access to travel, work and leisure opportunities in the city-region.
