The government has confirmed that Bradford Interchange will be the site of a new city-centre railway station, with the replacement of the existing 1970s facility planned for the 2030s as part of Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR).
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The decision, announced by the Department for Transport, establishes the preferred location for the scheme but does not include a construction budget, detailed programme or confirmed contractor.
The new station will improve rail connectivity between Bradford and other northern cities, including Leeds, Manchester and York, through more frequent services, shorter journey times and improved reliability. The existing terminus requires trains to reverse out of the station, which would be addressed through a new through-station arrangement.
Network Rail has been undertaking engineering and cost studies for the project. The final station design, including platform numbers and track arrangements, has yet to be confirmed. Amey has been appointed to coordinate engineering across six projects in the first phase of NPR, including the Bradford-to-Leeds corridor, but its role does not include construction of the station itself.
The first phase of the £45bn Northern Powerhouse Rail programme prioritises upgrades to existing routes between Leeds, Bradford, Sheffield and York, with further improvements to connections towards Manchester planned in later stages. The government has allocated £1.1bn for development work during the current spending review period.
The government says the new station will support regeneration of Bradford's Southern Gateway, a 126-hectare area south of the city centre. Bradford Council's plans identify potential for 5,000 homes and 23,000 jobs across the wider regeneration area.
Arup is developing the Southern Gateway masterplan for Bradford Council. The station is also intended to connect with the proposed West Yorkshire Mass Transit network, which would improve local public transport links and provide access to the wider rail network.
Government forecasts suggest the station, alongside the proposed West Yorkshire Mass Transit network, could generate up to £1bn in economic benefits.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said the decision would bring Northern Powerhouse Rail into the heart of Bradford and support economic growth, new homes and employment opportunities. West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin said improved rail services and the city's regeneration plans would help realise Bradford's economic potential.