Golborne's much-anticipated £32m train station project has been granted planning consent as the suburban town edges closer to re-establishing railway connectivity after more than half a century.
The scheme won planning permission following the approval for its business case by the Government earlier in January. The stage is now set for Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), in collaboration with Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Wigan Council, to craft a comprehensive business plan and detailed design blueprint.
Local engineering stalwart Murphy, headquartered in Golborne, has been selected by TfGM to lead on crafting the terminal's final designs. With the green light from Whitehall, ground-breaking is anticipated to commence in 2026, looking ahead to welcoming the inaugural trains in 2027.
Greater Manchester's figurehead, Mayor Andy Burnham, hailed the station's go-ahead as 'a significant moment' for the region.
He lauded the local community's unyielding advocacy for the return of rail services to Golborne, and said: "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."
Wigan Council's leader, Cllr David Molyneux, said "We have worked closely with TfGM ensuring the new station will deliver the best for the local community and wider area, and connect Golborne to the rail network for the first time in decades.
"Community wealth building, keeping the local pound in our borough, and supporting our local supply chain is a real priority for us and I am delighted that a local, Golborne-based company has been appointed to deliver the next phase of this exciting project.
"The new Golborne station will make a real difference to people's lives and our wider region and this announcement is another step forward in making it a reality."
Chris Cayton, managing director of Murphy transportation, said: "With offices in Stonecross and Golborne, we were particularly delighted to be appointed the first phase of this project alongside our valued supply chain, including design partner WSP, to greatly improve transport links in the local area for the benefit of the surrounding communities."
Jo Platt, MP for Leigh and Atherton, said: "The community in Golborne has been waiting a long time for this. After years of campaigning and planning, it's fantastic to see Golborne station reach this next milestone.
"This important transport infrastructure will bring better connectivity, help to reduce congestion, and support local economic growth. Connectivity and growth across all of Leigh and Atherton is extremely important to me and I am excited to see the benefits this will bring to the town."
