The Preston area is set to receive £40m in funding to improve transport infrastructure, including the creation of a new parkway rail station at Cottam.

The money granted from the Transforming Cities Fund is less than a quarter of the £182m for which Lancashire County Council originally bid.

The £40m, which was announced in this week’s budget from the government, will be used to help improve travel by bus, rail, cycle and foot across the city. Local stakeholders, including the public, will be consulted about the scheme as it develops.

LCC says the new station at Cottam will be key to encouraging sustainable travel habits.

The station, know as Cottam Parkway, is expected to directly service the north west of Preston and act as a Park and Ride for users from the Fylde area. It is hoped this usage will reduce congestion in Preston city centre, and also improve access to the city for non-car owners.

Plans state the station will be a modern two-platform station on the Fylde rail line. There will be a car park with access from the Preston Western Distributor via the Cottam Link Road, a staffed booking office, and footbridge to access both platforms. It’s also expected that the station will have a bus stop, plus good pedestrian and cycle links to maximise sustainable travel.

Read more: Work officially begins on Preston Western Distributor road scheme

The bid was supported by partner organisations from the public sector including Preston City Council, South Ribble Borough Council, the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership and UCLan, plus local bus and rail providers. 

Councillor Matthew Brown, leader of Preston City Council, said: “We are pleased to hear that our shared bid to the Transforming Cities Fund has had some success – the Cottam Parkway is much needed infrastructure and we are thrilled to see it recognised as a priority. 

“We believe our plans to improve the transport infrastructure of Preston with a focus on low carbon journeys and green travel are essential in helping our transport networks to meet the current and future needs of our communities, businesses and visitors. However they cannot be fully achieved without sufficient funding. 

“The plans 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.” 

Consultants were commissioned to draw up a 20-year vision for the Preston City area. Members of the county council’s cabinet agreed to use the report as evidence to inform current and ongoing transport-related planning and investment programming. 

To find out more about the bid visit the Lancashire County Council website.

What do you think about Cottam getting a parkway rail station? Let us know in the comments.