The results are in from the Council’s Halifax rail station user survey, and it’s clear that people want to see improvements to the current facilities on offer.
The survey ran between September and November 2018, and looked at what people did and didn’t like about the existing station and its facilities.
Over 1,000 people took part in the consultation exercise. Overall, users rated their experience of the rail station negatively with 47.7% of respondents being either dissatisfied or very dissatisfied and only 23% either satisfied or very satisfied.
Generally, facilities were rated poorly, with over 50% of people rating them as bad or very bad, and specifically mentioning issues with bus access, car parking and toilets.
However, responses were positive about the station’s close proximity to the town centre, with 26% commenting on its good location.
The results of the consultation will be used to help shape plans for the station improvement project, focusing on the areas that current and potential users found most important.
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Strategy, Cllr Barry Collins, said:
“We’re really grateful to everyone who took to time to fill out our survey on Halifax rail station.
“It’s clear that people want to see improvements to the station, particularly to the retail offer and toilet facilities. The feedback we’ve received will be invaluable in preparing further plans for the exciting major upgrade of the station and surrounding area.”
Cllr Kim Groves, Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Transport Committee, said:
“I’m glad that 1,000 people took the time to respond to the rail station survey. In line with the aims of our West Yorkshire-plus Transport Fund, the scheme will support economic growth in the town by attracting new investment, jobs and tourism.
“I look forward to seeing the next stage of plans for the project based upon what people have told us.”
The next step for the project will be to prepare an outline business case for funding. This is due to be submitted to the West Yorkshire Combined Authority later this year.
The transformation of Halifax rail station is part of the Council and the Combined Authority’s commitment to investing in transport infrastructure through the West Yorkshire-plus Transport Fund. The Fund is supported through the Leeds City Region Local Enterprise Partnership Growth Deal – a £1 billion package of Government investment delivered in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority to accelerate growth and create jobs across Leeds City Region.
The Halifax rail station project is part of Calderdale’s Next Chapter, a series of economic regeneration and growth projects that are supporting our ambition for Calderdale and Vision 2024.
For more information about the transformation of Calderdale, head to http://calderdalenextchapter.co.uk/(external link) where full survey results are also available, or follow #CdaleNextChapter on social media.