Bradford HS3 station campaign launches

A campaign has been launched to bring a high speed rail station to Bradford.

Bradford Council has teamed up with businesses and community representatives to demand a commitment from the government and Transport for the North for a HS3 station to be located in Bradford city centre.

The campaign, Next Stop Bradford, will highlight the benefits a Northern Powerhouse Rail station in Bradford will bring. Detailed research is underway to back up demands.

Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, leader of Bradford Council said: “With a prime location in the centre of the Northern Powerhouse, Bradford is home to over 17,000 businesses including market-leading companies such as Provident Financial and Yorkshire Building Society as well as thousands of thriving SMEs.

“Benefiting from a rapidly growing young population and outstanding Higher and Further education institutions, Bradford is continuing to re-invent itself as a world class destination to live, work and invest.

“However, as the largest city in the UK not on a mainline rail network, Bradford has the potential to contribute much more to the Northern Powerhouse economy if connected to the Northern Powerhouse Rail network. If Transport for the North commit to a city centre station, our forecasts suggest an economic boost of at least £1.3bn to the city’s economy with faster trains arriving more often and enhanced connectivity to other major cities across the north.

“The strong message we will continue to voice is that the north simply cannot be successful without Bradford being successful and the time to invest is now.”

Andy Caton, president of Bradford Chamber of Commerce said: “Access to talent is a high priority for any business looking to grow and invest. As a result, excellent connectivity is crucial to attract people to new and better jobs.

“Siting a Northern Powerhouse Rail station in Bradford city centre makes sense not only for this city – putting, as it does, Bradford back on the main line – but for West Yorkshire generally.

“The city has one of the fastest growing populations in the UK, but transport connectivity and congestion remains a key issue for many businesses and residents. Trans-Pennine travel is as important to them as North-South.  We also have our close neighbours Leeds backing the campaign.”