West Yorkshire leaders are set to give the go-ahead for the first
phase of a project which will see a new rail station and improved
cycling and walking infrastructure built in Elland.
The new station will be added to the Calder Valley line and will
improve the town's transport links with the wider region and
beyond, including Leeds, Huddersfield, Bradford and Manchester.
Phase one of the scheme – the access package – will provide high
quality walking and cycling improvements, making it easier and
safer to get to the station and move around Elland itself.
Delivered by Calderdale Council, it will see new infrastructure
built between Elland and West Vale – a vital step that will
maximise the benefits of the station project.
This includes building two new bridges – one over the River
Calder and Calder Hebble Navigation, and the other connecting
West Vale with Elland via the canal towpath.
Approval of the walking and cycling improvements will allow works
to start this year, ensuring progress is made on this key project
before final approval for the station is sought later in 2026.
A new way of delivering the rail station itself will also be
discussed at the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Meeting on
March 12.
It would see responsibility for the build handed to Network Rail,
harnessing its expertise in delivering complex rail
infrastructure projects.
Since 2014, the West Yorkshire Combined Authority has delivered
three new rail stations – Kirkstall Forge, Apperley Bridge and
Low Moor.
Overall, the Combined Authority has built or upgraded ten bus and
rail stations – investing £111 million in improving journeys
across the region.
As a whole, the Elland station project will cut journey times on
public transport, encourage people to leave their cars at home
and help boost economic growth in the area.
Mayor of West Yorkshire said:
"Elland deserves a new station and we are determined to deliver
that alongside our partners.
“The station and wider cycling and walking improvements will
increase access to jobs and education, while also
boosting connections to the wider region and attracting more
businesses to Calderdale.
"This will form part of our Weaver Network, which is
joining up all forms of transport and making travelling
around West Yorkshire seamless, affordable and reliable.”
Cllr Sarah Courtney, Calderdale Council's Cabinet Member
for Regeneration and Transport, said:
“The new rail station and access package for Elland will
transform travel in and around the town. It will connect local
communities with the station and improve links across the area
and beyond, with shorter, more pleasant and less congested
journeys to and from Elland and the surrounding housing and
industrial areas.
“Helping people to get where they need to go - whether that's
home, work, school or in their free time - really supports our
priorities for thriving towns and places and reduced
inequalities, and helps boost the local economy.
“By making it easier and safer for people to travel in greener,
more active ways, we're also doing our bit for the climate and
for people's health and wellbeing.”
In total, the scheme is expected to cost around £70 million.
Costs have increased in recent years due to inflation, market
conditions and as designs have been developed, among other
factors.
Elland Rail Station has achieved major milestones over the last
few years, including securing planning approval and a lawful
development certificate, confirmation of the Compulsory
Purchase Order (CPO) by the Secretary of State and the completion
of detailed designs for the project.
