Halifax train station and bus interchange plans on track

Calderdale Council’s Economy and Investment Panel met last night to give the go ahead to carry out a more detailed feasibility work on the scheme.

The vision is to improve journeys for passengers, reduce travel times, create a more attractive environment, improve links with key attractions and boost the local economy.

This would be achieved through a number of improvements, including a new modern station and bus interchange on site.

Proposals will also include the reopening of the third platform in front of the ‘1855 building’ and better access to and from the station through improvements to the layout, parking and the surrounding roads.

Councillor Barry Collins, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development, said: “The train station is an important part of our town – many commuters rely on it to get to and from work every day, residents use it to visit friends and family, people use it to do business and for many tourists it’s the first place that they see when they visit.

“We have a fabulous town with a huge amount of current and planned regeneration, so it’s vital to open it up to more people through rail and other transport improvements.

“The Council is keen to move the station upgrade plans forward, as they’re an important part of our work to ensure Halifax remains a place where businesses want to invest and people want to live, work and visit.”

The scheme is part of the Council’s work to bring benefits from the Leeds City Region’s £1 billion West Yorkshire Plus Transport Fund.

Subject to further approval from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, a full business case would be produced to cover the detailed design and construction requirements and a range of funding sources would be needed to deliver the full vision. As the plans progress to a more detailed stage, public consultation will take place.

The feasibility work is expected to take place during 2017.

For more information about the Station Gateway Masterplan and other major transport projects in Calderdale click here