Work begins to build a new station to bring trains back to Golborne after more than 60 years

Work on Greater Manchester’s first new train station to be built in the 21st century is under way in Wigan.

When finished, the new halt will link Golborne up to the railway network for the first time in more than 60 years.

The new station in the township, which currently has no direct bus, train or tram services to Manchester, will be located on the West Coast Main Line, near to the site of the town’s former railway station which was shut down in February 1961 as part of the pre-Beeching rail closures.

The station will be served by an hourly service between Wigan and Stalybridge, via Manchester Victoria, helping to reduce journey times into Manchester city centre by up to 30 minutes and making it easier to get on the wider Bee Network by connecting to bus, tram, and active travel routes.

Calls for Golborne to be put back on the railway network date back many decades and have formed part of local politicians’ campaigns for much of that time. But until recently there had not been the political will - or money - to make it happen.

Set to open in 2028, the new halt will make it easier for people to get to work, college or wherever they need to go across Greater Manchester.

It will also help to ease congestion on the roads, reduce carbon emissions and improve connectivity in the town itself, with a new footbridge across the tracks linking parts of the town that were previously cut off by the railway line.

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), working with Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Wigan Council, is behind the project which is being paid for through locally devolved government funding.

It comes as the Bee Network continues to grow, including the introduction of the new 612 bus earlier this month, providing a daily half-hourly service between Wigan and St Helens via Abram, Golborne and Newton-le-Willows.

Visiting the site, Bev Craig, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said:

“People in Golborne have been crying out for better transport links. We’ve listened and we’re building a brand-new train station that will re-connect the community to the rail network for the first time in more than 60 years.

“It’s a big moment for Greater Manchester too – our first new train station in more than 25 years – and I can’t wait to board the first trains stopping here. It’s brilliant to see work getting going on site.

“We’re working with the rail industry to better join-up rail services with our buses and trams.

“I’ve promised to continue to grow the Bee Network and this is another big step on that journey to connect our communities better than ever before.”

The plans for the station include step-free access throughout, with a new footbridge across the tracks and lifts to both platforms, digital customer information screens, seating, waiting shelters, passenger assistance intercoms, ticket machines, CCTV and lighting to help keep passengers safe.

Better walking, wheeling and cycling routes with improved crossings will also make it easier for people to get between the town centre, the station and the adjacent car park quickly and safely.

The town centre car park next to the proposed station will also be improved and updated, with resurfacing, upgraded lighting and CCTV.

Golborne-based engineering firm Murphy has been appointed to construct the new station where train services are expected to start by Spring 2028.

The project team will work closely with local residents, businesses and stakeholders throughout construction, keeping people informed and taking steps to minimise disruption wherever possible.

Jamie Rothwell, Transportation Managing Director at Murphy, said:

“Golborne has been our North West home for many years, so we’re delighted and honoured to be awarded the Golborne Station project and support TfGM’s ambitions to improve transport infrastructure for the local community.

“Murphy’s mission is to improve life by delivering world-class infrastructure, and this new station will do just that by strengthening transport links and better connecting Golborne to the wider Greater Manchester area.”

Coun Nazia Rehman, Leader of Wigan Council, said:

“I’m incredibly proud to see work beginning on Golborne's new train station, which marks a major milestone for the community and a significant investment in the town's future.

"Linking the town to the railway for the first time in more than 60 years, this project will greatly improve connectivity, open up new opportunities for residents and businesses, and support economic growth across the area.

"After years of planning and partnership working, it is fantastic to see these plans becoming a reality. I look forward to watching the station take shape and to the lasting benefits it will bring for generations to come.”

Jo Platt, MP for Leigh and Atherton, said:

“Back in 2019, I kick-started a petition calling for the reopening of Golborne railway station, building on years of dedicated campaigning by local residents, councillors and former Greater Manchester Mayor, now Prime Minister, Andy Burnham. It is now incredibly encouraging to see this long-held ambition finally beginning to take shape.

“The reopening of the station will be a significant boost for the town, strengthening connectivity for local residents, improving access to employment and education, and helping to unlock new opportunities for economic growth and inward investment. I look forward to seeing the project progress and the return of the railway to Golborne.”

Find out more information about the station plans at: A new rail station for Golborne | Bee Network |