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Wednesday 17 Mar 2010

PLANNING PERMISSION SOUGHT FOR NEW STATION AT KIRKSTALL FORGE

Region & Route:

Plans for a new railway station at Kirkstall Forge have been submitted to Leeds City Council by Network Rail and Metro.

It follows the recent approval of plans for Apperley Bridge Rail Station in Bradford, also in the Aire valley.  The stations are planned to improve rail links into both Leeds and Bradford as part of a programme of investment by Metro.

The plans include two new platforms, lifts, staircases, space for buses and a 127-space car park.

Kirkstall Forge Rail Station is being developed as part of a wider scheme by Commercial Estates Group (CEG) to transform the former industrial site into a 56-acre mixed-use development that will include family homes and 300,000 sq ft of commercial office space. The company has provided £4m towards the station which will not only serve the new Forge development but also the wider area including Kirkstall, south Horsforth and Bramley Falls areas of the city.

Metro's plans for the two stations along with car park extensions elsewhere in West Yorkshire have been identified as a priority by the Joint Regional Board with an estimated total scheme cost of £23.24m.

“New stations and more park-and-ride spaces will make the rail network more accessible and encourage more people to make business trips and commuter journeys by rail”, said Metro chairman Cllr Ryk Downes.

"Kirkstall Forge, and its proposed sister station at Apperley Bridge, will help reduce congestion on local roads by reducing commuter car journeys between Leeds, Shipley and Bradford.  Electric trains can use the station so there will be reduced CO2 emissions too, which is good for everyone."

Warrick Dent, area general manager for Network Rail, added: "Network Rail has been working closely with Metro to identify ways to increase capacity and convenience for passengers on this very busy route.  These stations are a vital part of our plans to continue to build a bigger and better railway in Yorkshire.”

Charles Johnson, development manager at CEG, explains: “Once the railway station is operational, Kirkstall Forge will be only a six minute journey from Leeds city centre. This, together with the riverside frontage and facilities such as a gym, crèche, hotel, restaurants and bars makes it an ideal location for business.”