Some new CGIs of a train station set to be built in a Greater Manchester town that’s been without one for 60 years have been released.
It’s been a whopping six decades, but the residents of Golborne will soon be able to hop on a train out of there, because a planning application to connect the Greater Manchester town, in the Wigan borough, was approved by Wigan Council back in May after it was submitted back in November of last year.
This means connectivity is finally one step closer to becoming reality.
Alongside the CGIs, a flythrough video of the new £32m rail station set to be built next year has also been revealed.
Following strong public support in a 2024 consultation, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) will be working in partnership with Wigan Council and Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) to deliver the major project.
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A new flythrough video reveals plans for a £32m rail station in Golborne – reconnecting the town to the network for the first time in 60+ years.
Construction starts next year, first trains by 2027.
Golborne-based engineering firm Murphy has been appointed to develop the station designs, taking into account the feedback from the local community.
A full business case is set to be submitted to the Department for Transport (DfT) in early 2026, and then, subject to approval, construction work is expected to start in the summer.
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In case you didn’t know, Golborne currently has no direct bus, train, or tram services to Manchester, while the wider area is the largest and most-populous area in Greater Manchester not connected to the rail network.
According to approved plans, the new accessible two-platform station will feature improved car parking and better walking and cycling links to the town centre, as well as also enable ‘seamless connections’ and support Greater Manchester’s vision for a fully integrated Bee Network by 2030.
Exciting new CGIs of a Greater Manchester town’s first train station in 60 years have been released / Credit: TfGM
Mayor Andy Burnham says this is ‘the next major milestone’ for Golborne train station.
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“The latest designs showcasing the transformation that’s on the way, with a station right at the heart of this community,” he commented.
“Golborne will play a vital role in our ambitious plans to make travel across Greater Manchester easier, greener, simpler, and more connected. This forms part of our plans to expand the Bee Network, with 64 stations joining by 2028 and a further 32 by 2030.
“I’m pleased that, after decades of being cut off from our train network, Golborne will be at the heart of the change.”
Featured Image – TfGM
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Manchester’s newest hotel launches massive recruitment drive with 100+ jobs available
Emily Sergeant
One of Manchester’s newest hotels has launched a massive recruitment drive with more than 100 jobs available to locals.
The Medlock, Manchester’s bold new 401-bedroom hotel – which is born from a partnership between Manchester City Football Club and Radisson Hotel Group, and is set to open later this year in the autumn – is looking for new team members across a wide range of areas, including front of house, housekeeping, engineering, and reservations.
To welcome these new team members onboard, the hotel has now launched a massive recruitment drive with dozens of roles available to local people.
Individuals who bring ‘authenticity, pride, and personality’ to everything they do are encouraged to apply for the roles – which go live early next week (Monday 27 April).
Aimed at boosting employment within the local community, vacancies span front-of-house, housekeeping, engineering and reservations.
The recruitment drive – delivered in partnership with Total People – is being lead by Valor Hospitality, the hotel’s operator chosen for its global expertise and people-first approach to hospitality, and will be offering tailored training programmes that are designed to make careers in hospitality accessible to Manchester residents.
Vocational qualifications across a range of skills will help individuals build confidence and step into rewarding roles in the industry, and it also means prior experience is not entirely necessary.
More than 100 roles will be available to local people / Credit: Supplied
General Manager Richard Pearson says the recruitment drive is a ‘unique opportunity to be part of an exciting partnership’.
“This is a milestone we’ve been eagerly anticipating, building the team that will bring The Medlock to life,” he added. “We’re looking for people who carry the spirit of Manchester with them, people who are proud of where they’re from and passionate about creating something special together.”
As mentioned, all job adverts will go live next Monday (27 April) so hopefuls can get their applications submitted here.
This’ll then be followed by invite-only open days for shortlisted candidates in mid May.
Featured Image – Supplied
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UK passes bill to ban everyone born after 2008 from smoking in ‘historic’ moment
Emily Sergeant
In what is described as being a ‘historic moment’, the UK has now passed a bill to ban everyone born after 2008 from ever buying tobacco products.
It’s been a long time coming, but the final draft of the landmark Tobacco and Vapes Bill completed its journey through the Houses of Commons and Lords yesterday (21 April 2026), and is now on its way to receiving royal assent to officially become the law.
For those unfamiliar, the Tobacco and Vapes Bill will stop people who were born on or after 1 January 2009 from ever taking up smoking.
It will also give Government ministers new powers to regulate tobacco, vaping, and nicotine products – including their flavours and packaging, which make them more appealing to younger generations.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has hailed the bill’s passing as a ‘historic moment for the nation’s health’ on the road to creating a smoke-free generation.
The UK has passed a bill to ban everyone born after 2008 from smoking / Credit: Lil Artsy (via Pexels)
“Children in the UK will be part of the first smoke-free generation, protected from a lifetime of addiction and harm,” Mr Streeting said after the bill was passed this week.
“Prevention is better than cure. This reform will save lives, ease pressure on the NHS, and build a healthier Britain.”
The ban on purchasing tobacco products for those born after 2008 was first mooted by Rishi Sunak’s Conservative Government a number of years back, but was eventually shelved ahead of the 2024 General Election, and then revived again by Labour when they took power.
The bill’s passing parliament has been welcomed by charities and campaign groups – most notably Cancer Research UK.
“This is a historic achievement that will shield our children from the devastating grip of tobacco addiction and help to put an end to cancers caused by smoking,” concluded Michelle Mitchell, who is the Chief Executive Officer at Cancer Research.
Emily Sergeant -
26th November 2025 
