Views sought on plans for new railway station
WYCAPeople are being invited to have their say on plans for a new railway station in east Leeds.
Thorpe Park Rail Station would be built on the Leeds to York line between Cross Gates and Garforth, serving the Thorpe Park business and retail development.
West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) said the station would provide rail journeys to Leeds of between 10 and 12 minutes. A consultation will run until 15 September and, if the scheme is approved, construction is expected to begin in 2027.
West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin said the station would deliver "faster commutes, boost our economy and reduce congestion on our roads".
The project is being developed by Network Rail and WYCA, in consultation with Leeds City Council.
Plans include step-free access via lifts and a footbridge, cycle parking, ticket machines and a 300-space car park with electric vehicle charging points.
Part of Weaver Network
The station would have two platforms, with at least two trains an hour in each direction serving Leeds, York and Hull.
Councillor Peter Carlill, executive member for transport and planning at Leeds City Council, said the station would "improve access to the employment, retail and leisure opportunities at Thorpe Park" and help more people travel into Leeds city centre.
"I encourage everyone to take a look at the proposals and have their say through the consultation," he said.
The scheme is also intended to ease pressure on parking at nearby Garforth station, WYCA said.
Network Rail route director Jason Hamilton said the project would help connect communities with jobs and opportunities, and that improved rail links were central to economic growth in the North.
A WYCA spokesperson said the authority had already helped fund and deliver rail stations at Low Moor, Kirkstall Forge and Apperley Bridge, with £111m invested in building or upgrading 10 bus and rail stations across the region.
They said the new station would form part of the mayor's wider Weaver Network plans to better connect rail, bus, cycling and walking routes across West Yorkshire.
A full business case is due to be submitted later this year to be considered at a future WYCA meeting.
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