Public consultation opens on Thorpe Park railway station in Leeds
The full business case for the scheme will be submitted later this year and discussed at a future West Yorkshire Combined Authority meeting, with construction set to start in 2027.
The station is being delivered by Network Rail in partnership with WYCA, in consultation with Leeds City Council.
Thorpe Park Rail Station is proposed next to Scarborough Group’s Thorpe Park Business Park, between Cross Gates and Garforth, on the TransPennine railway line between Leeds and York.
The new station is intended to improve connectivity between east Leeds and the city centre, with journey times to Leeds Station expected to be between 10 and 12 minutes.
It will also provide improved access to the offices, shops, and restaurants at The Springs, as well as supporting park-and-ride journeys for commuters and rail passengers.
The proposals include two platforms, with a minimum of two services per hour in each direction on routes between Leeds and York and Leeds and Hull.
A 300-space car park is also proposed, including electric vehicle charging points, disabled parking bays and a drop-off and pick-up area.
The scheme forms part of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s plans for the Weaver Network, which aims to create an integrated transport system linking rail and bus services with a future mass transit network, walking, wheeling, and cycling.
Members of the public are being invited to view the latest plans and submit their views as part of the consultation until 15 September, and can do so here.
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.”
Cllr Peter Carlill, executive member for transport and planning on Leeds City Council said: “The new station will improve access to the employment, retail, and leisure opportunities at Thorpe Park and The Springs, while helping more people travel into Leeds city centre and across the wider region by rail.
“As part of our wider plans for an integrated transport network, this investment will make public transport a more convenient choice and support the continued growth of east Leeds.”
John Handley, managing director for Redrow Yorkshire said: “Redrow has invested significantly in East Leeds over many years, delivering new homes and helping to create sustainable communities at Thorpe Park and Centurion Fields.
“Subject to planning, we’re also looking forward to delivering up to 649 new homes across two further sites at Red Hall Lane and Manston Lane. The proposed Thorpe Park Rail Station represents another important step in the area’s continued growth and regeneration.”
Adam Varley, development director for Scarborough Group International said: “This is a transformational opportunity for Thorpe Park, the city of Leeds, and the wider city region. By creating a multi-modal transport hub at Thorpe Park, it will connect an established business community of 7,500 employees, a thriving retail and leisure destination, and a growing residential community with the city centre and beyond.”
