Murphy picked to advance £32m Golborne station
The engineering and construction company has been appointed by Transport for Greater Manchester to lead the detailed design phase for a facility linking the Wigan town to the rail network for the first time in 60 years.
Muprhy, which has been delivering major infrastructure projects for 70 years, operates in the UK, Ireland, US and Canada, with 300 sites in operation at any given time.
Headquartered in London, it has a regional office in Golborne itself. Murphy is currently replacing the Greek Street road bridge close to Stockport station in a key project for Network Rail, and is also building a new station at Beaulieu Park on the Great Eastern Line.
Detailed plans will now be developed for the station’s design, with a target of starting construction in 2026 for a 2027 opening.
Golborne has had no direct bus, train, or tram services to Manchester since the 1960s.
Golborne station will provide two accessible step-free access platforms and welcome an hourly service between Wigan and Manchester Victoria, a roughly 30-minute journey.
The £32m Golborne station is one of the eight commuter rail lines earmarked by Transport for Greater Manchester to be connected to the Bee Network by 2028.
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said the appointment was a “significant development” and a “victory for the community”.
He added: “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.
“[Murphy] understand how better connection will open up access to skilled jobs and opportunities across the city region while making Golborne an even greater place to work and live.”
Chris Cayton, transportation managing director, Murphy, said: “With offices at 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.
“As a company, Murphy is focused on improving life by delivering world-class infrastructure, and this project will do just that.”
