Big improvements planned for Forster Square Railway Station

Plans for big improvements to Forster Square Railway Station will be open for consultation this week.

Officers from Bradford Council will be at Forster Square Railway Station on Tuesday 12 and Wednesday 13 December asking passengers what they think of proposals to dramatically improve access and facilities at the station.

The Combined Authority,�Bradford Council, Network Rail and train operator Northern are planning a major redevelopment of the station.

Modern and airy design

Proposals include replacing the existing station building as well as the lift and staircase tower. This would see the creation of a much larger building with a modern and airy design, including glass frontage and a 'green' roof.�

The new, larger building would incorporate the arches behind the station and the new lifts which would provide better access to Cheapside and Manor Row in the top of town area of the city centre.�New 'pods' would be installed in the old railway arches to provide extra facilities at the station. The plans propose to create a caf�, toilets and ticket facilities in a smaller building within the main concourse building.

Great gateway

Bradford Council has opened its consultation for members of the public to give their views about the design and what facilities the station needs to improve this great gateway to Bradford city centre.

If approved,�the plans would also see improvements to the layout and access arrangements on the Valley Road side of the station. They would mean the clearing of the overgrown area behind the station to provide a green space or small park area.

There are no plans to make major changes to the railway tracks or the layout of the platforms as part of this proposal.

Find out more about the plans for Forster Square and how you can have your say on them (opens in new tab).

Economic growth�

Cllr Keith Wakefield, West Yorkshire Combined Authority�s Transport Chair, said: "Part of the Combined Authority's �1bn West Yorkshire Plus Transport Fund programme of schemes designed to support economic growth and the creation of jobs, Forster Square will improve transport facilities and the journey experience for people travelling to and from Bradford and create a new, welcoming gateway to the city for tourists and commuters.

"It will support growth and job creation by improving links to The Broadway and the city centre and by complementing plans for new leisure facilities close to Forster Square."

Cllr Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council�s Executive Member for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, said: "We've got exciting plans for Forster Square station to really turn it into an entrance to the city centre we can be proud of.

"There's some fantastic architectural heritage at the station and this project will really bring that out. It will be good to share our exciting plans with the public and get their feedback."

As part of the �City Deal� between West Yorkshire, York and central government, the �1bn-plus West Yorkshire Plus Transport Fund was created to develop a programme of schemes that increase housing, employment and economic growth across the Leeds City Region.

Find out more about the�West Yorkshire Plus Transport Fund.�