Plans to improve walking and cycling access around Elland and West Vale, including to the planned new Elland Rail Station, are moving forward with the appointment of the contractor to finalise the detailed designs for the project.
The new rail station for Elland is being delivered by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, in partnership with Calderdale Council, improving transport links with the wider region and beyond, including Leeds, Huddersfield, Bradford and Manchester.
To support access to the new rail station from Elland town centre and wider areas, the Council is delivering the Elland Access Package, creating easier and safer walking and cycling connections.
Plans include new routes from Elland town centre and two new pedestrian and cycle bridges crossing the River Calder, and Calder and Hebble Navigation, to connect West Vale, Greetland and Exley to the new station and Elland. Improvements include upgrades to existing pedestrian, cycle routes and public spaces, and new lighting and landscaping.
Planning approval for the access package was granted in November 2024 and following a tender process, north of England contractor, Esh Construction has now been appointed to complete the detailed designs for the project.
Once completed, the designs will be submitted to the West Yorkshire Combined Authority for approval as part of a joint Final Business Case for the Rail Station and Access Package.
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Transport, Cllr Sarah Courtney, said:
“The appointment of a contractor for the Elland Access Package is a step forward in this major project which, together with the new rail station, will improve access to jobs, education and opportunities across the region.
“The access package improvements will connect local communities with the new station, creating new and upgraded routes for walking and cycling and new infrastructure. Lighting and landscaping will also open up routes to the new station under the Calderdale Way. The scheme will also improve the look and feel of the area and offer opportunities for leisure and recreation activities.
“We’re ambitious about Elland and the new station and access package will complement the £6million transformation of the town centre, which was completed last year. Together, all these improvements are helping to sustain Elland as a thriving town for years to come, with an improved layout and feel.”
Cllr Peter Carlill, Deputy Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Transport Committee, said:
“This is an important step forward towards improving walking, wheeling, and cycling in and around Elland, linking people safely to the new rail station once it’s completed.
“Both projects will help to create a greener, better-connected region that works for all.”
Steven Garrigan, Divisional Director at Esh Construction, said:
“We have a raft of experience in delivering high quality, public realm projects that make a difference to communities and facilitate future town centre development.
“As with all Esh projects, we have pledged to deliver several initiatives, including volunteering, work experience and funding opportunities, throughout the design phase in a bid to maximise the social value within the local area.”
Elland station and the wider access package will improve the transport network in Calderdale and improve connectivity across the region.
The Elland Rail Station and Access Package is being delivered by a partnership between the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Calderdale Council. Both projects are funded by the Combined Authority’s West Yorkshire-plus Transport Fund with the Access Package also receiving funding from the Transforming Cities Fund. More information can be found at calderdalenextchapter.co.uk/projects/elland-access-package(external link)
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