Major upgrade of Bolton station is underway

Bolton station is to receive a £1m overhaul which will see the under-used Victorian building on platforms four and five refurbished in a bid to attract retail, enterprise and community use.

The project will include new seating and signage, improved waiting rooms and toilets and pigeon netting to keep the space clean. The work is due to be completed by spring. Key to the transformation is the Bolton Station Community Development Partnership which embraced the project with some great ambitions – summed up by wanting to develop the station as a vibrant community hub.

The Bolton Station Community Development Partnership – which is chaired by Paul Salveson MBE, who will be speaking at the Rail Stations and Property Summit on February 27 about community regeneration through rail – is a mix of Northern, Network Rail, TfGM, local volunteers, community groups, Bolton Council, University, Bolton School, Bolton at Home and TransPennine Express.

Professor Salveson said: 'This is great news. The work will completely transform this historic station, laying the basis for some really exciting and creative community and arts-based projects at the station which will give it a new vibrancy, making it an attractive and welcoming place for passengers.'

Amy Clare, associate sponsor at Network Rail, said: “The Manchester-Preston line upgrade is almost complete. This will allow faster, more frequent, more reliable electric trains to run from May onwards. In addition to that, the rail industry is investing a further £1m to make things fresher and nicer for train customers at Bolton. We hope station-users notice the difference.”

Chris Jackson, regional director at Northern, said: “These fantastic improvements at Bolton station will go hand-in-hand with our own plans which, in the very near future, will see the introduction of brand new trains serving the town – and beyond.

“We are also investing millions in improvements at stations meaning that wherever you travel on a Northern train you will enjoy a better journey than ever before.”

Kathryn O’Brien, customer experience director for TransPennine Express, said: “2019 is a big year for customers in the north with many new trains coming into service, providing a much improved experience, more seats and faster trains. It’s great that we are working with the rail industry to invest in a station that Bolton can be proud of, providing customers with facilities that will make their experience of rail travel more rewarding.”

Councillor David Chadwick, portfolio holder for transport at Bolton council, said: “These proposals complement the £100m investment in the town centre by Bolton Council and £48 million by TfGM.

“Investment in Bolton is at a well-deserved high and Network Rail’s contribution will hopefully enhance the customer experience at the station. Many of the existing platform facilities are in need of urgent upgrade. This is great news for the town.”

Rail station refurbishment will be discussed at Rail Stations and Property Summit on 27 February in London