Bradford station is set to undergo a major transformation, as the Department for Transport has announced a £24 million investment to create an extra platform and increase the number of trains between Bradford and London. The funding is expected to greatly enhance connectivity and ease congestion at the city center station, with hopes of tripling the current number of services.
Rail Minister Huw Merriman is scheduled to visit Bradford today, where he will not only inspect the station but also discuss plans for a new station on the St James Market site. Mr. Merriman believes that this investment in the station’s infrastructure will reduce delays and ensure that the facility remains efficient for generations to come.
The additional platform is expected to improve access into the city for passengers, commuters, and tourists alike. Once completed, it has the potential to accommodate an extra five LNER services per day, significantly boosting the current provision.
Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, the leader of Bradford Council, has been actively advocating for more services between Bradford and London, particularly in light of the upcoming City of Culture year in 2025. She said, I’m really pleased we’ve been able to secure this new investment from Government. It’s good to see they now recognize the value of Bradford being better connected to the entire Northern economy.
This investment aligns with the government’s wider plans for the area. The Network North plan, which aims to improve local transport connections, will allocate £2 billion to construct a new station in Bradford and create a new connection to facilitate faster rail journeys from the city to Manchester via Huddersfield.
The decision to invest in Bradford’s rail infrastructure comes on top of previous commitments of £500 million to upgrade the railway between Bradford and Leeds, as well as a further £2.5 billion pledge from the Network North initiative to support the West Yorkshire Mass Transit System. These developments will undoubtedly enhance connectivity within the region.
The news has been warmly received by industry stakeholders. Matt Rice, Route Director for Network Rail’s North & East route, expressed enthusiasm for the funding, stating that it will allow for improved rail connections and benefit passengers in the future. Northern’s regional director, Kerry Peters, also welcomed the investment, noting the positive impact it will have on their customers throughout West Yorkshire.
LNER’s Safety & Operations Director, Warrick Dent, mentioned the exciting prospect of increased train services to and from Bradford, specifically during the City of Culture celebrations. The details of the expanded timetable are yet to be finalized, pending approval from the Department for Transport.
With this latest funding announcement, it is clear that the government is committed to investing in rail infrastructure to enhance connectivity and encourage economic growth in the Bradford region. As the project progresses, it is expected that the city will witness a boom in tourism, business opportunities, and overall accessibility, firmly establishing Bradford’s position as a key transport hub in the North of England.
