Disused second platform at railway station to be re-opened

Work has started to bring the second disused platform at Castleford Railway Station back into use.

Wakefield Council leader, Councillor Denise Jeffery, has led a lobbying campaign for the reopening of the station’s second platform to improve transport services in the town, to benefit the community and support business.

Network Rail approved the scheme which is expected to take approximately a year, and will include a new footbridge and lifts to make the reopened platform accessible to all.

Cllr Jeffery said: “I am very pleased that work has started on this very important scheme which is excellent news for the local community, residents, business and visitors.

“Having strong transport links matters a great deal, as they play a vital role in making public transport services more accessible and this new platform will be a major benefit to Castleford and the wider district.”

Also welcoming the news, Cllr Matthew Morley, cabinet member for planning and highways, said: “To support business growth and job creation we need to have strong transport links and our district will reap the benefits of bringing this second platform back into use, alongside other recent improvement works at the station.”

Work has taken place to upgrade the outside of the station, create a new waiting room, better ticketing facilities and increased access, in a partnership between West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Northern, Network Rail and Wakefield Council.

This is part of the wider ‘Re-imagining Castleford’ regeneration programme which aims to improve the perception and appeal of the town centre and to shape the future Castleford as a good place to live, work and visit.