The Mid Cheshire line trains were routed to run through Skelton Junction and Stockport to Manchester Piccadilly in 1989, except on Sundays, which followed a year later. This was to allow work to commence on the new Manchester Metrolink service through Sale and Stretford which opened in 1992.

The station was opened in 1843 following completion of the large railway viaduct just to its north.

The main concourse is a modern building, opened in 2004, as part of a development including a new platform (platform 0). A pedestrian subway leads to the two older island platforms, which include a buffet and newsagent.

There is a free town centre shuttle bus linking the station and the main shopping areas.

The station is very well connected to the network, with regular direct services to London, the Midlands, Wales, Yorkshire, East Anglia and other parts of the country.