Middleton could be on track for new train station

A new train station for Middleton could be coming down the tracks

Transport bosses have signalled a brand-new train station could be in the offing for Slattocks as part of a multi-billion pound package of proposals put forward in the 2040 transport strategy.

The new station, which would be constructed on the Calder Valley line between Castleton and Mills Hill, would boost Rochdale’s public transport network and offer a direct link to Stakehill Business Park, which provides almost 3m square feet of business space and over 2,500 jobs, Hopwood Hall College and existing residential areas.

It would also support major proposals, outlined in the Greater Manchester plan for Jobs and Homes (the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework) to create over 1m square metres of employment space and 900 new homes at Stakehill.

The station could be situated close to the Stakehill roundabout and could also offer park and ride facilities for trips into Manchester city centre. Initial research suggests a new station could be served by two trains per hour in each direction.

The news comes after TFGM also set out proposals for the extension of the Metrolink to Middleton and the introduction of a tram-train system, which would extend light rail services to Heywood, giving the town a direct link to Manchester via Castleton.

Councillor Phil Burke, transport spokesman for Rochdale Borough Council, said: “Although our borough as a whole has excellent public transport links, Middleton and Heywood are not as well served as they should be, considering their size and importance.

“A station at Slattocks has been a long-standing ambition within our Transport Strategy. We’ve been pushing for a first class boroughwide public transport system for a long time and I’m looking forward to seeing how these proposals might develop.”

The council will continue to work with TFGM to develop a business case for the new train station in the next 12 months.

Councillor John Blundell, cabinet member for regeneration at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “This new station would not only serve Stakehill Business Park, which, with more than 90 per cent occupancy, is a real success story for Middleton, it will also bring vital infrastructure to serve the new homes and jobs we hope to create in this area as part of the GMSF proposals.

“Having a direct transport link to serve this proposed employment site will put Rochdale residents in the best position to benefit from these fantastic new jobs and provide a direct connection into the city centre.”