People are being invited to have their say on the future of Cottingley Rail Station, Leeds at a drop-in event at White Rose Shopping Centre on Thursday (19 August 2021).
The session, which takes place from 10am to 6pm, will give people an opportunity to talk to the project team about the future of Cottingley Rail Station and complete a consultation survey, as well as receive an update on the new White Rose Rail Station.
It is part of a 12-week consultation being held by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority in partnership with Leeds City Council and Munroe K.
Construction is due to start later this year on a new, more accessible £24 million rail station 800m along the track, near the White Rose Office Park.
The consultation is seeking people’s views on the proposed closure of Cottingley Rail Station as it will not be possible to maintain the same level of service at both Cottingley and White Rose because they are too close together.
Alongside a new rail station, the White Rose scheme also includes better walking and cycling routes to Cottingley, Churwell and Millshaw, as well as the White Rose Shopping Centre and the bus interchange.
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said:
“In my manifesto, I committed to making public transport work for people and it is important everyone make the most of this opportunity to have their say on the future of Cottingley Rail Station as part of the public consultation.
“I am also pledged to connect more people with opportunities and help tackle the climate emergency on our way to becoming a net zero carbon economy by 2038. The new White Rose Rail Station will help us do that.”
Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, Transport Portfolio Holder for the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Leader of Bradford Council, said:
“We want to engage with local communities on the future of Cottingley Rail Station and I would encourage people to make sure their voices are heard by taking part in this consultation.
“We’re pleased to see the investment in a fully accessible rail station at White Rose which will improve transport links and act as a catalyst for local regeneration, including housing and job growth.”
According to The Office of Rail and Roads station usage data for 2018/19, Cottingley is the least used station in Leeds.
The options being considered as part of the consultation include:
- Replacing the existing station at Cottingley with a new station at White Rose. This option is preferred because of the low numbers of people using the station and its lack of step-free access.
- Constructing the new station at White Rose and keeping Cottingley open. This option would mean Cottingley Rail Station would have a very infrequent service and it could also weaken the funding case for new walking and cycling routes as part of the White Rose Rail Station development.
Leeds City Council executive board member for infrastructure and climate, Councillor Helen Hayden, said:
“Although the plans to build a new White Rose Rail station will undoubtedly bring benefits and opportunities for the surrounding communities and beyond, it will have an impact on the existing station at Cottingley.
“We know Cottingley station is underused, however people still use it, so it’s crucial that the new White Rose station is accessible for rail users. I would urge local communities to get involved in the forthcoming consultation on the future of the rail station to make sure your voice is heard.”
David Aspin, Founder and CEO of Munroe K added:
“Throughout the process of bringing forward the modern new White Rose Railway Station we have been delighted by the level of positive feedback and comments we have received from local residents, employees and businesses. We are excited to be providing a station that will be accessible to all users and is fully compliant with the Equality Act; with improved, well-lit walking and cycling routes at White Rose Park. A new station that provides the maximum possible benefit to local communities, better connecting people to employment and education opportunities, as well as retail and leisure activities.
I would encourage everyone to share their thoughts as part of this consultation phase.”
For anyone who is unable to make the event at White Rose Shopping Centre, the last in a series of consultation webinars will take place on Monday 13 September, from 6pm to 7pm. For more information, including joining instructions, and to have your say visit www.yourvoice.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/Cottingley.
Hard copies of the consultation materials can be provided free of charge by calling (0113) 245 7676 (MetroLine), via Freepost CONSULTATION TEAM (WYCA) or yourvoice@westyorks-ca.gov.uk.
All representations should be returned using the website, email or postal details above by midnight on Monday 4 October 2021.
This post is based on a press release issued by West Yorkshire Combined Authority
