New station promises faster trains to Leeds and £1bn economic boost
Government announce rail boost for passengers in Leeds and West Yorkshire with new station
Plans for a new Bradford Interchange station could bring faster, more reliable rail services between Leeds, Bradford and Manchester, improving connections for commuters and businesses across West Yorkshire.
Confirmed by the Government as part of Northern Powerhouse Rail, the new city-centre station is expected to deliver more frequent trains and better links with major northern cities, while helping unlock thousands of jobs and homes and up to £1 billion in economic benefits.
The Bradford Interchange site unlocks the potential to regenerate Bradford's Southern Gateway, and in tandem with the proposed West Yorkshire Mass Transit, would support thousands of new homes, jobs, and up to £1 billion in economic benefits.
The station will also become part of Great British Railways (GBR), the new publicly owned railway that will bring track and train together helping deliver what the Government claims is a more reliable, efficient and passenger-focused railway.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: "Today marks an important milestone for Bradford with a brand-new station that will transform how people travel across the North.
"By bringing Northern Powerhouse Rail into the heart of the city, we are unlocking the huge potential Bradford offers - improving connections, supporting economic growth and setting the foundations for new homes, jobs and opportunities across the region."
The new GBR station will be delivered in the 2030s and replace the outdated 1970s station.
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire said: “Today is an exciting and important milestone for Bradford, with an iron clad commitment to a new station in the city centre.
“Bradford has so much untapped potential, and faster, more frequent trains to Leeds and Manchester, and the transformation of the city centre through Bradford City Village, will help to finally unleash it.
“Together with investment for northern powerhouse rail, a mass transit system for West Yorkshire and our brand-new Weaver Network, we are working in lockstep with the government to deliver a better-connected region.”
Henri Murison MBE, Chief Executive of Northern Powerhouse Partnership said: "The decision to build Bradford’s new station at the interchange in the city centre is a long-term commitment to the city and the wider North.”