Leeds transport system to get £270M overhaul

Leeds is to get a new airport parkway station as part of transformational £270million transport proposals revealed for the city.

The new parkway station will be built on the existing Leeds to Harrogate line, connecting with Leeds Bradford Airport and the wider network.

The proposals also include plans for two other new stations to be created in the city and additional rail network improvements. The stations would be located at White Rose Shopping Centre and Office Park and at Thorpe Park.

It is envisaged that the improved transport links will provide a catalyst to job creation and housing growth along the East Leeds Extension.

The new stations would be part-funded from the £173.5M of Department of Transport funding secured following the decision not to proceed with the New Generation Transport (NGT) trolleybus in May.

Further financial support from West Yorkshire Combined Authority and private sector stakeholders has seen funding increase to in excess of £270M for Leeds.

Judith Blake, Leader of Leeds City Council Councillor, said: “Through the transport conversation we have been given a clear message that people want improvements to be made to benefit all areas of the city as soon as possible, not in another 10 or 15 years’ time but now. I am very pleased to say that everything we are putting forward in this plan is deliverable in the short to medium term.

“Providing a connection by rail to the airport has long been an ambition for the city and this plan will deliver it in a cost-effective way, along with two other new stations at the White Rose Shopping Centre and Thorpe Park to help drive forward job creation, productivity and economic growth.

These plans all fit with the Department of Transport request that we invest the £173.5M in public transport improvements before the end of 2021, and I am delighted that together with additional funding proposed by stakeholders and private partners we can now do even more to improve transport in our city and make a real difference.”

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