Calderdale Council is calling for a new train station to be built in Elland in the next two to three years.
This comes as the pre-feasibility study for the proposed station was presented at the Council’s Transport Working Party recently.
The Council has been working tirelessly with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and the rail industry to bring forward Elland Station for a number of years.
The release of the pre-feasibility study, delivered by GHD Transportation, is a major step forward in the process and highlights that a new station would bring significant benefits to Calderdale and beyond.
Cllr Barry Collins, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development, said:
“We know how much local people want to see a train station in Elland, and delivering this has been a priority for the Council for a number of years. I’m delighted that the pre-feasibility study has been completed.
“We’re now determined, subject to all of the required approvals and funding, to deliver the new station in the next two to three years before the Trans-Pennine line is electrified, and we will continue to press decision makers at a regional and national level. The station would bring benefits to the entire community and improve access to jobs in Elland, Calderdale and beyond.”
Cllr Eric Firth, Deputy Chair, West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Transport Committee said:
“Connecting people with employment, education, training and leisure opportunities underpins sustainable economic growth and is a key aim of the Combined Authority’s Strategic Economic Plan.
“Working with our partners, the Combined Authority has over the last 18 months opened new rail stations at Kirkstall Forge and Apperley Bridge as well as the new Leeds Station Southern Entrance, with the new Low Moor station between Bradford and Halifax scheduled to open in May.
“We will continue to work with Calderdale Council in developing a way forward and a strong business case for a rail station at Elland.”
It is expected that train journeys from Elland would include Manchester, Manchester Airport, Leeds and further afield.
The pre-feasibility study shows that there is a strong business case to invest £14 million in Elland for the construction of a new station – another great boost for the town for its future regeneration.
The findings from the study will be used as evidence to secure further funding to carry out a detailed timetable study and for project management support. This decision is expected in June.