West Yorkshire leaders are set to consider a major step forward in the Elland Rail Station project, with plans for the first phase of the scheme due to be discussed next week.
Members of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority will be asked to approve the project’s access package, which would deliver improved walking and cycling links in and around Elland ahead of the new station being built on the Calder Valley line. The proposed station is expected to strengthen the town’s transport connections across the region, providing links to Leeds, Huddersfield, Bradford and Manchester, while also helping to cut journey times and support economic growth.
The first phase of the scheme, to be delivered by Calderdale Council, would see new infrastructure created between Elland and West Vale to make it easier and safer for people to reach the future station and travel around the town.
Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said:
“Elland deserves a new station and we are determined to deliver that alongside our partners.
“The station and wider cycling and walking improvements will increase access to jobs and education, while also boosting connections to the wider region and attracting more businesses to Calderdale.
“This will form part of our Weaver Network, which is joining up all forms of transport and making travelling around West Yorkshire seamless, affordable and reliable.”
This includes plans for two new bridges – one crossing the River Calder, Calder and Hebble Navigation, and another linking West Vale with Elland via the canal towpath. Approval of the walking and cycling improvements would allow work to begin this year, helping to maintain momentum on the wider station project before final approval for the rail station itself is sought later in 2026.
Councillor Sarah Courtney, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Transport said:
“The new rail station and access package for Elland will transform travel in and around the town. It will connect local communities with the station and improve links across the area and beyond, with shorter, more pleasant and less congested journeys to and from Elland and the surrounding housing and industrial areas.
“Helping people to get where they need to go – whether that’s home, work, school or in their free time – really supports our priorities for thriving towns and places and reduced inequalities, and helps boost the local economy.
“By making it easier and safer for people to travel in greener, more active ways, we’re also doing our bit for the climate and for people’s health and wellbeing.”
A new delivery model for the station will also be discussed at the Combined Authority meeting on March 12. Under the proposal, responsibility for the construction of the station would be handed to Network Rail, making use of its expertise in delivering complex rail infrastructure projects.
The West Yorkshire Combined Authority has already overseen the delivery of three new rail stations since 2014 – Kirkstall Forge, Apperley Bridge and Low Moor. In total, it has built or upgraded 10 bus and rail stations, investing £111 million in transport improvements across the region.
The Elland Rail Station scheme is expected to cost around £70 million. Costs have risen in recent years due to inflation, market conditions and the continued development of the project’s design.
Even so, the project has already passed a series of important milestones, including securing planning approval and a lawful development certificate, confirmation of the Compulsory Purchase Order by the Secretary of State, and completion of detailed designs.
Taken as a whole, the scheme is expected to encourage more people to leave their cars at home and use public transport, while also delivering better active travel routes for local residents.
