Search for £15m Cottam Parkway project contractor underway

Lancashire County Council has begun the process of procuring a contractor for the proposed railway station, between Lea Road and Sidgreaves Lane in northwest Preston.

The station will provide park-and-ride for commuters and serve new residential areas. The facility will also serve the wider areas of Fylde and Wyre, linking with the Preston Western Distributor Road Scheme.

Cllr Charlie Edwards, cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “We’re proud to be developing these plans for a brand-new railway station to benefit the emerging communities, new home developments and other transport improvements in north-west Preston.”

The station will be fully accessible, with a footbridge, lifts, electric charging points in the car park and bike storage space.

A planning application is expected this year, with construction taking around 18 months. The aim is to open in 2023/24. The estimated contract value is £15m, according to council documents.

Main funding sources include the Department for Transport’s Transforming Cities Fund and the Preston, South Ribble and Lancashire City Deal. The City Deal is a collaboration between the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership, Preston and South Ribble councils, the county council, with support from central government and Homes England.

Cllr David Borrow, cabinet member for planning and regulation at Preston City Council, said: “In line with the Department for Transport’s plans to boost the Preston City region, the Cottam Parkway project will provide more sustainable travel alternatives for people to choose, which will help reduce road traffic congestion, promote a greener transport system and allow for growing and developing communities, businesses and visitor numbers to our city.”

According to Lancashire County Council, this is the first phase of Preston’s bid to become one of the most sustainable UK cities.