LCCA funding unlocks Cottam Parkway
A 2027 start on site is the aim after a £28.2m contribution from Lancashire Combined County Authority was confirmed for the new railway station, serving communities in one of Preston’s main housing growth areas.
The combined authority’s contribution comes from its consolidated transport funding allocation of more than £640m over the next four years, and follows the Department for Transport’s £28.4m commitment.
Lancashire County Council signed off what will be a 36-acre development in September 2023, with the station required to serve the growing communities of Cottam and Lea.
The station is to 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.
Plans include a 2,292 sq ft station building, parking for around 230 cars, station access road, footbridge and walking and cycling infrastructure. With the main planning consent in place, land assembly 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, LCCA said.
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.
Cllr 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.”
Cottam remains subject of a steady stream of housing applications. Just this month, a hurdle has been overcome with a 443-home Morris Homes and CEG development in the area, while Breck is delivering 102 homes. Wain Homes has been responsible for The Paddocks, a multi-phase project.
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.”
