West Yorkshire leaders are set to give the go-ahead for the first phase of a project which will see a new rail station and improved cycling and walking infrastructure built in Elland.
The new station will be added to the Calder Valley line and will improve the town’s transport links with the wider region and beyond, including Leeds, Huddersfield, Bradford and Manchester.
Phase one of the scheme – the access package – will provide high quality walking and cycling improvements, making it easier and safer to get to the station and move around Elland itself.
Delivered by Calderdale Council, it will see new infrastructure built between Elland and West Vale – a vital step that will maximise the benefits of the station project.
This includes building two new bridges – one over the River Calder and Calder Hebble Navigation, and the other connecting West Vale with Elland via the canal towpath.
Approval of the walking and cycling improvements will allow works to start this year, ensuring progress is made on this key project before final approval for the station is sought later in 2026.
A new way of delivering the rail station itself will also be discussed at the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Meeting on March 12.
It would see responsibility for the build handed to Network Rail, harnessing its expertise in delivering complex rail infrastructure projects.
Since 2014, the West Yorkshire Combined Authority has delivered three new rail stations – Kirkstall Forge, Apperley Bridge and Low Moor.
Overall, the Combined Authority has built or upgraded ten bus and rail stations – investing £111 million in improving journeys across the region.
As a whole, the Elland station project will cut journey times on public transport, encourage people to leave their cars at home and help boost economic growth in the area.
Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said:
“Elland deserves a new station and we are determined to deliver that alongside our partners.
“The station and wider cycling and walking improvements will increase access to jobs and education, while also boosting connections to the wider region and attracting more businesses to Calderdale.
“This will form part of our Weaver Network, which is joining up all forms of transport and making travelling around West Yorkshire seamless, affordable and reliable.”
Cllr Sarah Courtney, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Transport, said:
“The new rail station and access package for Elland will transform travel in and around the town. It will connect local communities with the station and improve links across the area and beyond, with shorter, more pleasant and less congested journeys to and from Elland and the surrounding housing and industrial areas.
“Helping people to get where they need to go – whether that’s home, work, school or in their free time – really supports our priorities for thriving towns and places and reduced inequalities, and helps boost the local economy.
“By making it easier and safer for people to travel in greener, more active ways, we’re also doing our bit for the climate and for people’s health and wellbeing.”
In total, the scheme is expected to cost around £70 million.
Costs have increased in recent years due to inflation, market conditions and as designs have been developed, among other factors.
Elland Rail Station has achieved major milestones over the last few years, including securing planning approval and a lawful development certificate, confirmation of the Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) by the Secretary of State and the completion of detailed designs for the project.