£24m plan to build rail station at shopping mall set for green light
PLANS to build a £24m rail station close to a Yorkshire shopping centre could be given approval by regional transport chiefs as early as this week.
Members of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) transport committee will be asked to progress plans for the new station at the White Rose Centre in Leeds at their next meeting.
It would be between Morley and Cottingley on the Transpennine route.
However, it could spell the end for nearby Cottingley station, as a report into the scheme said it is unlikely both stations can be “fully sustained” because of their close proximity.
The proposals for the White Rose station – next to the site of the White Rose Office Park – also include better walking and cycling routes between the station and Cottingley, Churwell and Millshaw, as well as the shopping centre and the bus interchange.
The scheme, which is being developed jointly by WYCA, Leeds Council, Munroe K and Network Rail, will receive £5m from the Leeds Public Transport Investment Programme (LPTIP) and up to £12m from the Leeds City Region Transforming Cities Fund – as well as contributions from Munroe K.
The committee will also consider plans for a new £31m parkway station at Thorpe Park on the Leeds-to-York section of the Transpennine route.
Middleton councillor Kim Groves, who is chairwoman of the WYCA’s transport committee, said the White Rose plan was an exciting proposal which would bring many benefits.
“A new rail station at White Rose will bring new opportunities for people in Cottingley, Churwell, Millshaw and Morley,” she said.
“Building the future we want with a transport system fit for the 21st century is absolutely vital, not only as we look to pave a way forward for our region following the Covid-19 pandemic, but also in tackling the climate emergency by helping us achieve our aim of becoming a net zero carbon economy by 2038.”
Executive member for transport Coun Lisa Mulherin said: “I am pleased to see the progression of the White Rose Rail Station project, which along with the proposed Thorpe Park station moving to its next stage, will form part of an improved city-wide transport system for Leeds.
“The changes when approved will improve access to the city centre for residents in surrounding neighbourhoods, visitors to Leeds and the 10,000 young people who learn in the South Bank’s schools and colleges each day.”
A report into the scheme stated: “Detailed work to understand the potential implications of this development for Cottingley Rail Station is ongoing as it is unlikely that two stations, this close together, can be fully sustained.
“Following this assessment, we will undertake additional substantial consultation with local people to understand their needs and develop a scheme that best meets their requirements.
“A range of options will also be explored to ensure people in Cottingley and neighbouring areas have the access they need to the rail network and other transport links, including the potential for an on-demand bus service for the community.”
Work on the new station is expected to start on site in June and could be completed by November 2022.
Building a transport system fit for the 21st century is vital. Councillor Kim Groves on the move to open a new station at the White Rose Centre in Leeds.