A NEW £32million train station could soon be coming after plans were officially been tabled with the council.

These plans would see Golborne connected to the rail network for the first time in more than 60 years. Golborne currently has no direct bus, train or tram services to Manchester, so services would reduce journey times into Manchester city centre by up to 30 minutes.

Nearby Leigh is the biggest town in England without a rail station, while the wider area – including Lowton – is the largest and most populous area in Greater Manchester not connected to the rail network.

The proposal includes a new accessible two-platform rail station with a footbridge across the tracks and lifts to both platforms; a new hourly service between Wigan and Manchester Victoria and onwards to Stalybridge; an improved town centre car park; and new walking and cycling links to the town centre.

If the plans are approved, work on site should begin in 2026 with the new station scheduled to open in 2027 – improving access to travel, work and leisure opportunities in the city-region.

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said: “It has taken a huge effort to get us to this point, but we have finally reached a major milestone on the journey to reconnect Golborne to the rail network for the first time in over 60 years.

“The proposal is based on extremely sound evidence and huge progress has been made with a planning application being submitted and overwhelming support from local residents.

“This won’t just be transformative step for the local community. This station is a key element in our plans to bring rail into the Bee Network and will help unlock economic growth by opening up access to skilled jobs and opportunities across the city-region.

“This plan for the first new station in Greater Manchester in more than 20 years will give more people the option to use public transport. We’re thankful to the many residents who’ve had their say throughout this process and helped shaped these plans.”

The Golborne station scheme forms part of a significant investment that would support Greater Manchester’s ambitions to bring eight commuter lines into the Bee Network by 2028, helping to create a fully integrated London-style public transport system.

Jo Platt, MP for Leigh and Atherton, said: “Having advocated for the re-opening of Golborne station since first being in parliament in 2017, I’m pleased to see significant progress being made.

“The area has been without rail connectivity for over 60 years, so I welcome the much-needed connectivity that this will bring to residents. It will better connect the local community to jobs, education and leisure activities, and is a major step towards making Golborne an even greater place to live and work.”

The station would be delivered through locally devolved government funding.