Media centre

Sunday 2 Apr 2017

Two northern regions set to benefit from economic boost as two new stations open

Region & Route:

| Eastern

Rail passengers across the north of England are today feeling the benefit of significant rail investment as two new stations opened for the first time.

Ilkeston station in Derbyshire and Low Moor station in West Yorkshire have become the latest additions to Britain’s rail network, with both stations bringing huge economic benefits in growth, jobs and housing to the communities they serve.

It’s over 50 years since either Ilkeston or Low Moor had rail stations, and both regions can now celebrate the increased connectivity to other towns and cities across the north. The stations will also help serve with the ever increasing demand for rail travel, with passenger numbers having doubled in the past 20 years - and set to continue rising.

The opening of the stations showcases vital collaboration between the rail industry and stakeholders, and demonstrates what the industry working at its best to deliver significant upgrades to the railway and providing the best possible service for passengers.

Paul McKeown, director of route sponsorship for the London North Eastern and East Midlands route, said: “This is a very important day for the two regions which are celebrating their new stations. We know that investment in rail helps deliver economic benefits in terms of growth, jobs and housing and that stations like these will help serve the growing demand for rail travel across the north.”

Notes

Ilkeston station has been built by Network Rail, will be managed by East Midlands Trains and was funded by Derbyshire County Council.

Low Moor station was also built by Network Rail and will be managed by Northern. The project was funded by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) and is the third new station to open in West Yorkshire in the last 18 months. The stations at Kirkstall Forge, Apperley Bridge and Low Moor show continued investment into the railway in the North.