Transport for Greater Manchester is expecting construction to begin in 2026 with the first trains hoped to stop there in 2027.

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: “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.”

The station includes plans for a new accessible two-platform rail station including step-free access throughout, 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.

Chris Cayton, Transportation Managing Director at Murphy, said: “With offices in 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.”