West Yorkshire’s newest bus station opens in Kirklees

Heckmondwike Bus Station, the first in the Weaver Network, has officially opened making journeys easier across Kirklees and beyond.

The modern facility includes indoor seating, new bus stands, a changing places toilet, detailed bus information, cycle parking and improvements outside the building. 

West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin celebrated the opening in Heckmondwike today with residents, businesses, bus staff and schools. 

This is an important milestone for the Weaver Network - a new transport network for the region which joins together buses, trains, a future mass transit system, walking, wheeling and cycling. 

A plaque in Weaver Network green was installed inside the station, as a modern nod to traditional blue plaques which celebrate significant events or buildings. 

Brazilian percussionists from the Kirklees-based Rhythm Stick Drumming welcomed visitors during the opening event, while free ice creams in Weaver Network colours were given out by A Taste of Italy.

West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin said:

“Today is a huge moment for Heckmondwike, our Weaver Network and for West Yorkshire.

“I promised that I would deliver easier, safer and more flexible transport – this fantastic new bus station is just one of the ways we’re improving everyday journeys for people across the region.

“With new electric buses on the way, new and improved bus stations and buses coming under public control, we’re creating a better-connected West Yorkshire that works for all.”

Heckmondwike Bus Station has been delivered by Kirklees Council in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority. 

Kirklees Council staff, bus drivers, station staff, the main contractor R G Carter and the designer Stephen George + Partners joined members of the public and the mayor to officially open the station.

Improvements to two other Weaver Network bus stations are also underway in Kirklees, with work recently starting on a major refurbishment at Huddersfield Bus Station and Dewsbury Bus Station due to reopen later this year. 

The Combined Authority will begin rolling out bus franchising from Spring 2027, delivering publicly controlled bus services across the whole of West Yorkshire by late 2028. 

Bus franchising will enable the Combined Authority to set bus fares, routes, timetables and standards for each service within the region.

Upgrading bus stations and franchising bus services as part of the Weaver Network will make journeys easier and encourage more people to choose public transport.