Warrington confirmed as hub for Northern Powerhouse Rail

WARRINGTON is set to become a key transport hub for the North following the government’s confirmation of its commitment to Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR), with a new low-level station at Bank Quay.

As part of a wider announcement on Northern Growth, the government has confirmed plans for major investment in connectivity between Liverpool and Manchester and further afield across the north of England. The project will utilise a combination of new lines and upgraded infrastructure to transform travel across the region.

At the heart of these plans is a new low-level station at Warrington Bank Quay. This station will serve as a key hub on the Liverpool-Manchester route, positioning Warrington as a vital link between major cities, Manchester Airport, Chester, North Wales, and the West Coast Main Line.

For Warrington, this will mean:

• High-frequency services: 4–6 trains per hour between Liverpool and Manchester Airport via Warrington Bank Quay.
• Rapid journey times: potentially to reach Manchester Airport in 8 minutes, Liverpool or Manchester Piccadilly in 15 minutes, and Leeds in 45 minutes.
• Enhanced connectivity: Seamless integration between the new low-level station and the existing high-level lines.

Beyond transport, the investment acts as a catalyst for the large-scale regeneration of the Bank Quay area. Over the next 30 years, the project is expected to unlock:

• 10,000 new jobs and 1.7 million sqm of Grade A office space.
• Up to 4,000 new homes to support a growing population.
• 10km of new river trails and significant public realm enhancements.

Cllr Hans Mundry, Leader of Warrington Borough Council, said: “This announcement is great news for Warrington and the wider Cheshire and Warrington sub region. By confirming its commitment to Northern Powerhouse Rail and a new low-level station at Bank Quay, the government has recognised the key role our town can play as a driver of northern growth.
“This investment will transform travel, deliver better connectivity and faster journeys and unlock thousands of jobs, and massive economic opportunities that will benefit our residents for years to come.
“We have worked tirelessly alongside the Elected Mayors and leaders from across the Liverpool to Manchester route to ensure Warrington’s voice was heard, and we’re delighted that our vision for a primary hub station has been secured. We now look forward to working closely with the government and our regional partners to drive this project forward and to ensure the benefits are shared across the Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority area with enhanced connectivity to Chester, North Wales and Crewe.”