New Preston railway station proposed to improve travel connections

Proposals have been submitted to Lancashire County Council for a new railway station in Preston.

The plan to build Cottam Parkway on the North West side of the city, on the Blackpool-Preston line, has been developed by the county council, working with Preston City Council and Network Rail.

The station, between Lea and Cottam, would improve travel connections to Preston, Blackpool and Manchester, and further afield.

It would give a connection to Preston station of just five minutes and to Blackpool in 20 minutes.

County Cllr Charlie Edwards, cabinet member for highways and transport at the county council, said: “The planning application is a big step forward in delivering this new railway station, which will open up new opportunities for people and be a gateway to other parts of the region.

“We’ve made some important changes to the design since we announced the plans. We’ve added native scrubs, trees and native species-rich grassland on a field near the station to provide an overall boost to biodiversity from this scheme and help wildlife, which will also give a 10% biodiversity net gain for the project.

“We’re already in talks with the Department for Transport and rail operators to get as many services as possible serving the station.”

If the plans are given the go-ahead, construction would begin next year.

The new station would be situated between Lea Road and Sidgreaves Lane/Darkinson Lane, near to the site of the former station, and provide a car park with bus, cycling and walking links to the local area. Other planned sustainability measures include electric vehicle charger points, a ‘green’ planted roof and solar panels on the railway station.

Cllr David Borrow, cabinet member for planning and regulation at Preston City Council, said: “We are pleased to hear that the plans for the Cottam Parkway – much needed infrastructure for the North West Preston development – are progressing well.

“We believe the plans to improve the transport offer in Preston, with a focus on low carbon journeys and green travel, are essential in helping our transport networks meet the current and future needs of our growing and developing communities, businesses and visitor numbers.”

He added: “The plans provide the sustainable transport networks needed to support economic growth in Preston and outline essential and transformational ways to relieve congestion and pressure on roads, as well as promote alternative means of travel. Together with our partners, we continue to explore every opportunity available to enhance and develop Preston, including transport and connections in and around the city.”

Funding for the station has come from the Department for Transport’s Transforming Cities Fund and the Preston, South Ribble and Lancashire City Deal.

The City Deal is an agreement between Lancashire Enterprise Partnership and Preston City Council, South Ribble Borough Council and Lancashire County Council, along with central government and Homes England.

The Transforming Cities funding will allow the county council to work with partners to fundamentally change the way people travel into and around Preston city centre, and improve the local environment.