A longed-for Wigan community railway station takes another step towards becoming a reality

The proposals would see the new station built in the corner of Wigan – bringing better public transport connectivity to the borough.

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is working with Wigan Council and Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) to deliver what would be the city-region’s first new railway station in more than 20 years.

This project would form a key role in the Bee Network and highlight the GMCA’s ambitions to make local rail an integral part of the Bee Network by 2030.

Public consultation is due to go live on January 4, 2024 to gather views on the proposed design of the station facilities and its links to the local area. It will also gather information from respondents about people’s potential future use of the station.

Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham is hopeful that Golborne Station would become the Bee Network’s flagship station. He warned earlier this year that this project was no “pie in the sky” idea.

Mr Burnham said: “The first Bee Network buses under public control are already carrying passengers in Wigan and Bolton, with other areas across Greater Manchester joining by 2025.

“By 2030 we want local rail services to be part of the Bee Network too and having a new station Golborne will mean that people in the area will be able to enjoy the better connectivity and all the opportunities that would bring.

“It’s now really important that everyone has an opportunity to have their say on ensuring that plans for the new Golborne station are shaped in the best possible way.”

Links to the proposed station would be provided by new walking and cycling routes, as well as existing bus services. Rail users, residents and businesses will be invited by TfGM to give their opinions on the scheme to ensure that local views are considered before a final business case is submitted to the government.

The consultation will seek feedback on the following:

Location of proposed new eastern access to Golborne town centre

Facilities within the station

Accessibility for all station users

Car park improvements

Walking, cycling and other active travel measures

In January 2021, £16m was approved by Greater Manchester Combined Authority for the development and delivery of a new railway station at Golborne. An extra £1m has also been put on the table to establish the outline of the project, generate more proposals for funding, and scope how much it would cost to deliver and operate the development.

TfGM’s Head of Rail Simon Elliott said: “Greater Manchester’s exciting plans for Golborne station would vastly improve public transport connectivity for people in Golborne, Lowton and Leigh, as well as the broader borough of Wigan, bringing significant economic and environmental benefits.

“It also represents a crucial step forward in developing the Bee Network and realising our ambitions for local rail to form part of Greater Manchester’s integrated public transport system by 2030.

“I would encourage residents, businesses and rail users to respond to the consultation once it goes live. We are keen to hear the views from the local area.”

Leader of Wigan Council, Councillor David Molyneux MBE, said: “We fully support the reopening of Golborne rail station and are working closely with our colleagues at TfGM to turn these plans into a reality for the people of Golborne.

“I’d like to encourage residents to have their say during the consultation to ensure we can develop the best scheme possible on behalf of those who will benefit from better transport links and improved walking and cycling infrastructure.”

People will also be able to have their say through an online consultation portal going live on January 4, or by attending one of several drop-in sessions.