Residents, commuters and businesses are being invited to have their say on plans for a new railway station that promises to transform connectivity between east Leeds and the city centre.
The proposed Thorpe Park Rail Station will be located alongside the thriving Thorpe Park Business Park, between Cross Gates and Garforth, on the Leeds to York section of the TransPennine route.
Designed to improve access to jobs, retail and leisure opportunities, the new station will provide quicker and more convenient rail links for passengers travelling into Leeds, while also supporting park and ride journeys for commuters. Journey times to Leeds Station are expected to be as little as 10 to 12 minutes.
The project is being delivered by Network Rail in partnership with West Yorkshire Combined Authority, working closely with Leeds City Council.
Plans include two platforms, allowing a minimum of two services per hour in each direction, including routes between Leeds and York and Leeds and Hull. The station will feature step-free access via lifts and a footbridge, ticket machines, cycle parking facilities and a 300-space car park.
The car park will include electric vehicle charging points, accessible parking bays and dedicated drop-off and pick-up facilities.
The scheme forms part of the West Yorkshire Mayor’s ambition to deliver the Weaver Network, an integrated transport system designed to connect rail, bus services, future mass transit, walking, wheeling and cycling routes across the region.
The investment builds on a series of successful transport improvements delivered by West Yorkshire Combined Authority, including new railway stations at Low Moor, Kirkstall Forge and Apperley Bridge, alongside wider upgrades to the region’s transport infrastructure.
West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin said:
“Quick and reliable transport is essential for helping people, communities and businesses to thrive.
“Our brand-new station will deliver faster commutes, boost our economy and reduce congestion on our roads.
“Our Weaver Network will help us build a better-connected West Yorkshire that works for all.”
To date, the Combined Authority has invested £111 million in building or upgrading ten bus and rail stations across West Yorkshire, helping to improve connectivity and support economic growth.
The full business case for Thorpe Park Rail Station is expected to be submitted later this year and will be considered at a future Combined Authority meeting. Subject to approval, construction is scheduled to begin in 2027.
A key benefit of the scheme will be the creation of 300 additional parking spaces, helping to support park and ride travel while easing pressure on the heavily used car park at Garforth Station, which is currently operating at capacity.
The public consultation is now open and will run until Tuesday 15 September, giving residents and stakeholders an opportunity to review the proposals and provide feedback before the project progresses to the next stage.
Image credit: iStock
