Leeds sees £9.5 million investment into new transport
West Yorkshire’s latest rail station is set to welcome its first passengers this weekend. Kirkstall Forge Station, which is located within the new Kirkstall Forge development, will open to passengers on Sunday 19th June. Initially, one train per hour will call in each direction, with additional services during the morning and evening peaks.
Transport Minister Andrew Jones MP said: “This brand new station at Kirkstall Forge is another example of the funding that we are putting into local transport in the North, boosting the Northern Powerhouse and generating economic growth throughout the region.
“Not only will the government’s £9.5m investment into Kirkstall Forge and Apperley Bridge rail stations bring better journeys for passengers in the area, it will also lead to up to £400m of private investment by the Commercial Estates Group into houses and jobs for the region.”
The new station includes a 129-space car park and a picking up/ dropping off point and, fully-accessible platforms with both staircases and ramps. It also has secure cycle parking and waiting shelters.
Together with Apperley Bridge Rail Station, which opened in December 2015, Kirkstall Forge is part of West Yorkshire’s £15.9m Rail Growth Package.
Leader of Leeds City Council Cllr Judith Blake said: “It is fantastic news that rail services to the new Kirkstall Forge Station are about to open.
“The station has a key role to play in realising the major regeneration potential of the broader Kirkstall Forge development, bringing with it new jobs, training opportunities, housing and a range of office and leisure facilities to offer a significant boost to the local economy.”
