People can have their say on plans for a new railway station at Thorpe Park, which would create a faster rail link between east Leeds and the city centre.
Thorpe Park Rail Station would be built next to Thorpe Park Business Park, between Cross Gates and Garforth, on the Leeds to York section of the TransPennine line, with journeys into Leeds Station taking 10 to 12 minutes.
The station would have two platforms, enabling a minimum of two services an hour in each direction towards York and Hull, plus a lift and footbridge for step-free access, ticket machines, cycle parking, and a 300-space car park including EV charging points, disabled bays and a drop-off and pick-up point. The 300 spaces would also help relieve pressure on Garforth station’s car park, which is at capacity.
The scheme, delivered by Network Rail in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and in consultation with Leeds City Council, is part of the Mayor’s wider Weaver Network plan to connect trains, buses, a future mass transit system, walking, wheeling and cycling across the region.
The Combined Authority has already delivered new stations at Low Moor, Kirkstall Forge and Apperley Bridge, part of £111 million invested in building or upgrading ten bus and rail stations regionwide.
Faster commutes and boosted economy
West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin said: “Quick and reliable transport is essential for helping people, communities and businesses to thrive. Our brand-new station will deliver faster commutes, boost our economy and reduce congestion on our roads. Our Weaver Network will help us build a better-connected West Yorkshire that works for all.”
Jason Hamilton, Route Director for Network Rail North & East, said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with WYCA to develop plans for the new Thorpe Park station. Connecting communities to opportunity through rail connectivity is central to growth in the North and we’re proud to be able to play a part in delivering this for West Yorkshire.”
Councillor Peter Carlill, Leeds City Council’s executive member for transport and planning, said: “Thorpe Park Rail Station will be a major boost for east Leeds, providing faster journeys and better connections for residents, workers and visitors alike. The new station will improve access to the employment, retail and leisure opportunities at Thorpe Park and The Springs, while helping more people travel into Leeds city centre and across the wider region by rail. I encourage everyone to take a look at the proposals and have their say through the consultation.”
John Handley, managing director for Redrow Yorkshire, said: “Redrow has invested significantly in East Leeds over many years, delivering new homes and helping to create sustainable communities at Thorpe Park and Centurion Fields. Subject to planning, we’re also looking forward to delivering up to 649 new homes across two further sites at Red Hall Lane and Manston Lane. The proposed Thorpe Park Rail Station represents another important step in the area’s continued growth and regeneration.”
Adam Varley, development director for Scarborough Group International, said: “This is a transformational opportunity for Thorpe Park, the city of Leeds, and the wider city region. By creating a multi-modal transport hub at Thorpe Park, it will connect an established business community of 7,500 employees, a thriving retail and leisure destination, and a growing residential community with the city centre and beyond.”
The full business case for the scheme will be submitted later this year and discussed at a future Combined Authority meeting, with construction set to start in 2027. The consultation is open until the end of Tuesday 15 September.
