Deadlock broken at White Rose rail station as Mayor vows to push ahead with delivery

Work on the part-finished White Rose rail station will start again within the next few months, Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin has announced.

Legacy issues with the project have been resolved thanks to ongoing efforts between the rail industry and West Yorkshire Combined Authority, clearing the way for construction on highways and access works to begin.
 
Subject to the approval at a meeting next week, the Combined Authority will take control over the delivery of the station in South Leeds, which has lain dormant since Spring 2024 due to a number of on-site challenges.
 
Up until now, the project has been delivered in partnership, with Munroe K its promoter and joint funder, the West Yorkshire Combined Authority a joint promoter and part funder, and Spencer Rail the principal contractor.   
 
Situated on the Leeds to Huddersfield line, the brand-new station is being built next to the White Rose Business Park and a short walk from the White Rose Shopping Centre.

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said:

“Working with our partners, we’ve broken the deadlock at White Rose station.
 
“We know this delay has caused frustration, but we can now move ahead with delivering a much-needed new station for the area – acting as catalyst for regeneration and growth.
 
“I would like to personally thank Network Rail for their efforts in getting us to this point.”

On Thursday (22nd January), Combined Authority members will be asked to approve £1.4 million of development funding and enter an agreement with Network Rail, closing out the legacy issues and clearing the way for remobilising the project. 
 
An update on full costs associated with completing the scheme, an estimated completion date and information on appointing contractors will be brought to a future Combined Authority meeting.
 
Key areas still to complete at the station itself include external cladding, internal fit out, mechanical and electrical works including the installation of the lifts, external works, and operational railway works including signalling and customer information systems. Highways and access work around the site will also need to be completed before the station can open.

A Network Rail spokesperson said:

“We’re pleased to see progress being made on resolving issues related to White Rose station. We will continue to assist West Yorkshire Combined Authority to help deliver this important new station.”