On track: Why a new rail station could be the platform for all change for Elland

RESIDENTS AND businesses are being invited to have their say on the latest plans for the proposed new rail station and accompanying access improvements in Elland.

Comments can now be submitted online about the planned new rail station in Elland, funded through the Combined Authority’s West Yorkshire-plus Transport Fund.

Calderdale Council has said the planned station would support existing local businesses and attract new ones, generating economic growth and jobs for Elland.

It would be located on the existing Calder Valley route (Leeds – Huddersfield Line) to the west of Lowfields Way and adjacent to the A629, Calderdale Way.

Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Resources, Councillor Jane Scullion, said: “The planned new station and access improvements are part of an exciting future for the town, complementing other improvement projects like the exciting proposals as part of the Future High Streets fund and Phase 4 of the A629 programme.

“Initial feedback to the plans was incredibly positive and as we move forward to the next stage of approvals we want to hear people’s thoughts again to ensure the latest plans continue to meet people’s needs.

“This project would transform Elland town centre, bringing huge potential benefits to local residents, businesses and the wider Calderdale community.”

Alongside the station development, a series of accompanying improvements known as the ‘Access Package’ are also planned, to enhance walking and cycling access to the new station from across the town and the wider area.

Initial consultation on proposals took place in June 2018 and showed overwhelming support for the project, with 94 per cent of those responding stating that they were happy or very happy with the plans.

The feedback from this exercise was used to inform further proposals which were approved by the WYCA in March last year, with further approvals from Network Rail in May 2019.

Further consultation is now taking place to ensure the latest plans meet the needs of the borough’s communities

Feedback to the plans was incredibly positive and as we move forward with the plans

Our plans for a new rail station for Elland will be at the heart of huge benefits

ONLINE: Read more on this at www.halifaxcourier.co.uk

AERIAL: Birds eye view gives you an idea of how the station will look and be incorporated in the town centre

FOOTWAY: A new bridge will link the town centre and the train station

PLATFORM: How the station could look as commuters wait for their trains