Murphy to lead design of £32m railway station

This story was written with AI assistance from Harmsworth

Wigan Council has approved plans for a £32m railway station in Golborne, enabling local contractor Murphy to begin work on detailed designs.

The project will reconnect the Greater Manchester town to the rail network for the first time in over 60 years. It forms part of a broader strategy to integrate rail into the Bee Network by 2028 —Greater Manchester’s transport plan to create the UK’s first fully integrated system outside London.

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), the client, has appointed Golborne-based contractor Murphy to develop the detailed design. Murphy will deliver the scheme alongside WSP, its design partner.

A full business case is expected to be developed in 2025. Subject to government approval, construction is scheduled to start in 2026 with services running from 2027.

The two-platform station will provide step-free access, real-time passenger information systems, and safety features including lighting and CCTV. Ticket machines, improved walking and cycling routes, and an upgraded car park will also be delivered.

The car park will include disabled bays, EV charging points, cycle spaces, and a taxi drop-off area. A potential eastern access route to the town centre is under consideration.

The station is set to provide hourly services between Wigan and Manchester Victoria, with onward connections to Stalybridge, subject to final timetabling and approvals.

The station will be located on the West Coast Main Line, approximately five miles south of Wigan North Western station and one mile north of the former Golborne station site. It will also serve nearby Haydock Park Racecourse, offering a public transport option for racegoers.

The scheme is being funded through devolved local authority budgets and follows government approval of its outline business case in January.

Golborne has no existing direct transport link to Manchester. Journey times to the city centre are expected to be reduced by up to 30 minutes.

Public consultation in early 2024 drew nearly 3,000 responses, with more than 90 per cent in favour of the scheme. The planning application was submitted in November.

Source: Murphy press release