Plans to reconnect Golborne to the national rail network for the first time in over six decades have taken a major step forward, after Wigan Council approved the planning application for the town’s new railway station.

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has also confirmed the appointment of Golborne-based engineering firm Murphy to design the station, marking a key milestone in the region's plans to expand the Bee Network.

Part of a broader initiative to bring eight commuter rail lines into the integrated Bee Network by 2028, the new station will support Greater Manchester's goal of becoming the first city-region outside London with a fully connected public transport system.

Planning approval comes shortly after the government endorsed the station’s outline business case in January, recognising the transformative benefits it could bring in terms of connectivity, sustainability and economic growth.

TfGM, in collaboration with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Wigan Council, will now move forward with a full business case and detailed design process in 2025. Subject to government approval, construction is expected to begin in 2026, with services commencing in 2027.

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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.

"We are committed to moving forward at pace with this project and bringing rail into the Bee Network – making it easier to get around the city-region. To have such a respected partner like Murphy on board to take the station through detailed design is a fantastic result, and we can then move swiftly through to construction. With roots in the community, they understand how better connections will open up access to skilled jobs and opportunities across the city-region while making Golborne an even greater place to live and work."

Currently without direct public transport links to Manchester, Golborne residents face extended journey times. The new rail service will cut travel time to Manchester city centre by up to 30 minutes.

Public consultation held earlier in 2024 revealed strong local support for the project. The proposed station will feature two accessible platforms with step-free access, a new hourly service linking Wigan to Manchester Victoria and Stalybridge, enhanced parking facilities, and improved walking and cycling connections to the town centre.

As well as the station, partners are looking at ways to improve the town and areas around the station through the Golborne town centre Masterplan. This would make them even better places to live and visit with improved cycling and walking links and opportunities for further investment in Golborne.

The station would be delivered though locally devolved government funding.