LCCA approves £28.2m funding contribution towards Cottam Parkway railway station
A key funding contribution needed to bring forward the Cottam Parkway railway station project has been approved by the Lancashire Combined County Authority, as part of its consolidated transport funding allocation of more than £640m over the next four years.
The £28.2 million contribution will help support plans for the new station and follows the Department for Transport's commitment of £28.4 million towards the scheme.
The proposed new railway station will serve the growing communities of Cottam and Lea. The station would be located on the Preston to Blackpool North line and is expected to serve around 17,000 households when it opens, generating 644,000 passenger journeys annually. As well as improving rail connectivity, it would provide easier access to Preston city centre and support future growth across Preston and Central Lancashire.
Plans include a new railway station, car park, station access road, bridge and walking and cycling infrastructure. Planning permission is already in place and land acquisition is largely complete.
If approved through the remaining governance processes, construction is planned to begin in 2027, with the station targeted to open in December 2030.
The LCCA's decision forms part of the funding process for the project. A separate report will be considered by Lancashire County Council's Cabinet on 1 October, seeking approval to add the project to the County Council's Capital Programme and approve the funding and delivery arrangements required to allow construction to proceed.
Councillor Phil Riley, Chair of the LCCA Transport Advisory Board, said:
"This is a major milestone for one of Lancashire's most important transport projects.
"Cottam Parkway has the potential to transform rail connectivity for thousands of residents, support new homes and jobs, and unlock economic growth across Preston and Central Lancashire.
"By approving this funding contribution, we're investing in the infrastructure Lancashire needs to support its future growth and prosperity."
Hannah Clarke, Network Rail project sponsor, said:
"We're delighted to be continuing our work with Lancashire County Council to develop plans for Cottam Parkway, a new station that will provide better rail connections for local communities, with direct links to Blackpool, Manchester and Preston.
"Securing this funding is an important milestone for the scheme, and we're looking forward to taking the project into its next phase."
Notes to editors
About the Lancashire Combined County Authority
The Lancashire Combined County Authority (LCCA) has been established to devolve powers from central government to local decision-makers in Lancashire. As a Foundation Strategic Authority, it brings together local councils to take a more strategic approach to priorities such as transport, economic growth, skills and investment.
The LCCA aims to improve public transport, boost economic prosperity, enhance employment and skills, and secure investment to support growth across Lancashire. It is made up of representatives from Lancashire County Council, Blackpool Council, Blackburn with Darwen Council and Lancashire's district councils, working together to deliver strategic priorities for Lancashire.
More information about the Lancashire Combined County Authority can be found at: LCCA website