Airport takes next step towards rail station connection
Doncaster Sheffield Airport could be connected to the rail network via the East Coast Main Line according to new plans.
Doncaster Council, Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership and Doncaster Sheffield Airport are exploring the viability of a rail station at the airport.
A study has been commissioned to determine the feasibility and is due to be published by the end of the year. A strategic business case for a potential rail link and will be awarded through a bidding process.
The airport has also unveiled early design concepts for the station which could serve the next major international airport for the UK in the North.
An airport station off the East Coast Mainline could be a major economic boost for Yorkshire and the Sheffield City Region, said the group.
Steve Gill, chief executive of Doncaster Sheffield Airport said: “Doncaster Sheffield Airport is one of few regional airport sites in the UK which offers unconstrained physical and airspace capacity with the existing runway able to accommodate a throughput of 25 million passengers per annum, providing an international gateway serving the east side of the country.
“An airport station could mean London is less than 80 minutes train travel away, and in many places quicker than travelling across to Heathrow or Gatwick on already congested routes. The proposal could also support boosting international trade, deliver improved regional connectivity and contribute towards government strategy to rebalance the economy.”
“The proposal for the airport station shows how a quicker, more affordable and sustainable solution in the North can deliver much needed future UK aviation capacity for passengers and cargo, complementing planned investment in South East airports.
“These aspirational designs we’ve released aim to show the scale of our ambition for the station and we hope they inspire people to get behind this proposal.”
Sir Nigel Knowles, chair of Sheffield City Region LEP, said: “The success of Aero Centre Yorkshire is a key part of our strategic plan to build a truly competitive centre of business excellence in Sheffield City Region. The airport’s new link road illustrates our simple and straightforward approach to doing business.
“In Sheffield City Region we just get things done and we look forward to working in partnership to deliver a new rail connection and station providing a connection from the airport to the East Coast Mainline. Through pulling together to achieve transformational change we are building a thriving, super-connected and successful economy.”
Ros Jones, mayor of Doncaster said: “Doncaster Sheffield Airport is a huge asset for Doncaster, the Sheffield City Region, Yorkshire and the North and we are committed to making it a big success.
“The opening of Great Yorkshire Way created exceptional links between the airport and the motorway network and has helped them achieve incredible growth. This shows if you have a forward thinking vision to deliver important infrastructure projects they can have a real economic impact.
“We are ambitious for the future and our concept to provide an East Coast Mainline station at Doncaster Sheffield Airport could certainly release its immense untapped potential and bring significant benefits to Doncaster and the wider region.”
A touch further north, Leeds Bradford Airport’s plan for a parkway station have been revealed this year, but plans to expand the site have been scuppered by topographical issues.
