Work on a new station in Greater Manchester has begun.

The new station in Golborne will connect the area to the railway network for the first time in over 60 years.

The new station is being built near the site of the town’s original station and will allow an hourly service between Wigan and Stalybridge via Manchester Victoria to run.

The town currently has no direct bus, train or tram services to Manchester, with the new station seeing journeys into the centre reduced by 30 minutes.

The project is being funded locally, with Transport for Greater Manchester working with Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Wigan Council to complete it.

The station will not only reduce journey times, but will also reduce road congestion and carbon emissions.

The station is set for completion in 2028, along with a new footbridge across the tracks that will better link parts of the town.

“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.”

Visiting the site, Bev Craig, Mayor of Greater Manchester