Major progress made on constructing £26.5m railway station
Rail infrastructure specialist Spencer Group has reported “significant progress” on construction of a £26.5m station in South Leeds.
Situated between Morley and Cottingley, the White Rose Rail Station will be on the main trans-Pennine route to Manchester via Huddersfield.
It will be a two-platform station providing improved access to the adjacent White Rose office park, shopping centre and bus interchange.
Hull-based Spencer Group is delivering the project for White Rose owner Munroe K in conjunction with Network Rail, the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Leeds City Council and the Department for Transport.
Construction of the new station, which will replace Cottingley Railway Station, is scheduled to be completed later this year and is expected to open in early 2024.
Joe Bennett, operations director at Spencer Group, said: “We’ve been working with key stakeholders to bring the White Rose Rail Station to fruition and, as a local contractor, are pleased to play our part in helping our infrastructure in the North.
“The erection of the lift cores and link bridge walkways, connecting the platform works already undertaken, will transform the look of the project and enable people to see the facility for the first time. It’s an exciting time for all involved.”
Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, said: “We’re determined to create a stronger, fairer and better-connected region so that everybody has the same opportunity to get on in life. Investing in transport that supports economic growth is absolutely vital.
“I’m proud that together we’re investing £26.5m in a new White Rose Rail Station.
“This investment will bring new opportunities for people in Cottingley, Churwell, Millshaw, Morley and beyond by boosting transport links and local regeneration, including housing and job growth.”
The scheme has received funding from the Leeds City Region Transforming Cities Fund, the Leeds Public Transport Investment Programme and £5m from the Department for Transport’s New Stations Fund, alongside contributions from Munroe K.
David Aspin, CEO of Munroe K, said: “Delivering the UK’s very first railway station through public and private sector partnership has been a real testament to everyone involved.
“The new station can be the catalyst to unlock real economic development in this area of south Leeds, providing our local communities with better links to education and employment opportunities. Its location at the White Rose Park makes it accessible to many more people living in the area and beyond.”
