Connecting Leeds Bradford Airport: Parkway Rail Station

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Please note that this engagement is closed. Much of the information on this page is now outdated but has been left available for public viewing as a record of the engagement process. For updates and outcomes please click on the link below:

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Background
We are taking this opportunity to present the work done to date on proposals for a new rail station on the Harrogate line, south of the Bramhope tunnel. This new station, known as LBA Parkway, would improve accessibility to Leeds Bradford Airport by public transport, improve connectivity to existing and future businesses located in North West Leeds, and with a 350 space car park offer park and ride opportunities for trips to urban centres such as Leeds, Harrogate, and York. A shuttle bus service would provide a short, quick link to the airport terminal.

Development of new rail stations
Planning and developing new rail stations for Leeds is being done in a number of phases. At this stage we have highlighted three areas around the city that have the potential for new stations. This potential is based on predicted rail user demand, potential development and the accessibility of the locations. We shared initial plans for White Rose and Thorpe Park in July 2018 and are now sharing plans for a Leeds Bradford Airport Parkway.

The stations we are proposing are at their earliest stage of development and we will invite feedback from the public at a number of stages, as plans progress. It is not known at this time if all three stations are possible, but we want to give you the opportunity to comment at every step along the way, and to keep you informed of progress.

The development of new rail stations is part of the Connecting Leeds programme. Visit leeds.gov.uk/connectingleeds (External link) (opens in a new tab) for more information.

What facilities are proposed for the LBA Parkway?
Initial designs have been developed based on expected demand, stakeholder requirements, and rail industry standards. The designs for LBA Parkway include a station building with a waiting area, ticket purchasing facilities, toilet, and a retail offering.

Given the topography (there are steep hills) of the site the platforms would be at a lower level than the station building, therefore platform access would be via covered stairways or lifts. Being a station to serve airport passengers it is felt that the standard single lift provision would be insufficient for a large number of passengers with luggage, therefore two lifts are being considered for each platform. A covered bridge would provide cross platform access, also leading to a second pedestrian and cycle access route from Cookridge. The 350 space car park would include blue badge spaces, electric vehicle charge points, drop-off facilities, cycle parking, and a designated layby for the airport shuttle bus.

Designs will be further developed following public feedback.

Access to the Parkway Station
One of the key considerations for this project is how to provide suitable highway access to the station. We have three options that would connect LBA Parkway to the highway network and we would like people to give us their views on each of these options.

Public engagement
This engagement is a means for us to share information on proposals for LBA Parkway at an early stage and does not form part of any statutory process. Feedback received at this stage will inform the development of the project through the next design stage. There will be further stages of consultation as the plans develop.

We are also interested to hear from any current or potential rail passengers to tell us how the station might change their travel habits.

As consultation regarding road access improvement options to the airport is happening at the same time we have produced a joint survey to capture feedback.

Have your say

This phase of consultation is now closed. More information will be posted here when available.

You can also sign up to be kept informed about the development of this project or register to be added to the Your Voice community where you will receive information on opportunities to have your say on a variety of projects.


Click here to go back to the Connecting Leeds Bradford Airport homepage.

Please note that this engagement is closed. Much of the information on this page is now outdated but has been left available for public viewing as a record of the engagement process. For updates and outcomes please click on the link below:

____________________

Background
We are taking this opportunity to present the work done to date on proposals for a new rail station on the Harrogate line, south of the Bramhope tunnel. This new station, known as LBA Parkway, would improve accessibility to Leeds Bradford Airport by public transport, improve connectivity to existing and future businesses located in North West Leeds, and with a 350 space car park offer park and ride opportunities for trips to urban centres such as Leeds, Harrogate, and York. A shuttle bus service would provide a short, quick link to the airport terminal.

Development of new rail stations
Planning and developing new rail stations for Leeds is being done in a number of phases. At this stage we have highlighted three areas around the city that have the potential for new stations. This potential is based on predicted rail user demand, potential development and the accessibility of the locations. We shared initial plans for White Rose and Thorpe Park in July 2018 and are now sharing plans for a Leeds Bradford Airport Parkway.

The stations we are proposing are at their earliest stage of development and we will invite feedback from the public at a number of stages, as plans progress. It is not known at this time if all three stations are possible, but we want to give you the opportunity to comment at every step along the way, and to keep you informed of progress.

The development of new rail stations is part of the Connecting Leeds programme. Visit leeds.gov.uk/connectingleeds (External link) (opens in a new tab) for more information.

What facilities are proposed for the LBA Parkway?
Initial designs have been developed based on expected demand, stakeholder requirements, and rail industry standards. The designs for LBA Parkway include a station building with a waiting area, ticket purchasing facilities, toilet, and a retail offering.

Given the topography (there are steep hills) of the site the platforms would be at a lower level than the station building, therefore platform access would be via covered stairways or lifts. Being a station to serve airport passengers it is felt that the standard single lift provision would be insufficient for a large number of passengers with luggage, therefore two lifts are being considered for each platform. A covered bridge would provide cross platform access, also leading to a second pedestrian and cycle access route from Cookridge. The 350 space car park would include blue badge spaces, electric vehicle charge points, drop-off facilities, cycle parking, and a designated layby for the airport shuttle bus.

Designs will be further developed following public feedback.

Access to the Parkway Station
One of the key considerations for this project is how to provide suitable highway access to the station. We have three options that would connect LBA Parkway to the highway network and we would like people to give us their views on each of these options.

Public engagement
This engagement is a means for us to share information on proposals for LBA Parkway at an early stage and does not form part of any statutory process. Feedback received at this stage will inform the development of the project through the next design stage. There will be further stages of consultation as the plans develop.

We are also interested to hear from any current or potential rail passengers to tell us how the station might change their travel habits.

As consultation regarding road access improvement options to the airport is happening at the same time we have produced a joint survey to capture feedback.

Have your say

This phase of consultation is now closed. More information will be posted here when available.

You can also sign up to be kept informed about the development of this project or register to be added to the Your Voice community where you will receive information on opportunities to have your say on a variety of projects.


Click here to go back to the Connecting Leeds Bradford Airport homepage.

Project archived

Do you have any questions for us...? Ask them here...

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    I’m all for development; we should always strive to move forward and as a resident of Yeadon who commutes daily into Leeds City centre I dream of benefitting from improved transportation links to the city. However from your proposal I can see the only change that local residents are going to get is increased traffic and noise pollution. It feels that the idea of a direct link has easily been dismissed as expensive and difficult to achieve but I’ve seen no evidence of this fact. It feels that the proposed Parkway Station is merely supporting an alternative agenda. If LBA is to indeed support the numbers suggested in the proposal without a direct rail link then I feel that your heads are literally in the clouds.

    YeadonBoy asked about 5 years ago

    Thank you for your comments, these will be considered as part of the consultation feedback. At this stage, it is unlikely that a direct rail link will be affordable and offer value for money. Building a station at the Airport Terminal building requires an additional heavy rail link from the existing railway line to the Airport. The Combined Authority commissioned some outline options appraisal work in 2016. The report indicated that a heavy rail link cannot be achieved without extensive tunnelling and cuttings which would incur significant costs. There is potential for a light rail or tram-train link option to link the Airport terminal to the existing Harrogate line. However, the cost for a tram-train / light rail link would be significant and would necessitate bespoke vehicles for a tram–train system. Although the costs for delivering the proposed Leeds Bradford Airport Parkway Station are still being refined it is anticipated that a Parkway Station will be able to deliver significant benefits at a significantly lower total cost.

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    You didn't answer my question properly... Its like you answered a different question... I asked The WYCA is exploring Light Rail as a future transport solution. One day its conceivable Tram Train from the Harrogate line to terminal front could be a very desirable option. Why is the future alignment of such a route not being masterplanned now as part of these proposals? Otherwise it may be that the new road and station are constructed in the way of any future line. This would add much cost and complexity to such a future development. Potentially road option A may require an underpass for light rail to pass under. To retro fit would be impossible. Furthermore link buses could use the same route to terminal via traffic free bus only road? You made no reference in your answer as to why a future light rail link isn't masterplanned so that this proposal doesn't prejudice or add cost to any future options. Thanks

    garethleeds asked about 5 years ago 

    Thank you for your questions and comments regarding the future of mass transit in the Leeds City Region. Both LBA Parkway and LBA Link Route are at an early stage of development and as both projects progress there will be opportunity to look at other projects and programmes that come forward and how these may interface with one another.

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    The trains running along the existing train line are absolutely disgraceful. Not accommodating to passengers during busy commutes and are extremely polluting for the environment. Will these new plans include upgraded more efficient trains?

    Lucy ackroyd asked about 5 years ago

    West Yorkshire Combined Authority is aware that availability of train capacity and seating is a key challenge in this area in particular during peak hours. We are working with the operators on the route through Rail North to influence their timetable and deployment of rolling stock so that trains are deployed in the way that benefits passengers. In the medium and longer terms, WYCA will work closely with the Department for Transport and Transport for the North to support a case for further investment on rolling stock and train capacity

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    I trust that extra services to serve this station are part of the consideration? Trains on this existing line at Peak Times are already overfilled. so the addition of passengers with airport luggage will further increase this and cause tensions between holiday-makers and commuters.

    John111 asked about 5 years ago

    Thank you for your comments. West Yorkshire Combined Authority is aware that availability of train capacity and seating is a key challenge in this area in particular during peak hours. We are working with the operators on the route through Rail North to influence their timetable and deployment of rolling stock so that trains are deployed in the way that benefits passengers. In the medium and longer terms, WYCA will work closely with the Department for Transport and Transport for the North to support a case for further investment on rolling stock and train capacity. 

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    What provisions would be made to improve rail services? The addition of an extra station, with increased passenger numbers going to the airport (including luggage) would put an additional burden on already failing trains on the Leeds-Harrogate line. The constantly late, overcrowded trains (often with only two carriages during peak times) would not be able to cope.

    RichMck asked about 5 years ago

    The Combined Authority is aware that availability of train capacity and seating is a key challenge in this area, in particular during peak hours. We are working with the operators on the route through Rail North to influence their timetable and deployment of rolling stock so that trains are deployed in the way that benefits passengers. In the medium and longer terms, the Combined Authority will work closely with the Department for Transport and Transport for the North to support a case for further investment on rolling stock and train capacity. 

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    There is no indication of the level of proposed parking charges. The parking charges at Leeds are already relatively high for the service offered. For Leeds Airport to thrive will parking charges be controlled by private enterprise or the authorities granting permissions for development?

    David Quinn asked about 5 years ago

    Thank you for your question. Most rail station car parks in West Yorkshire do not apply charging, however, some locations are charged on a case-by-case basis. Charging will continue to be considered on a case-by-case basis if it is beneficial to the business case of the scheme which ultimately brings benefits to the passengers.

    No decision has been made about whether the rail user car parking will be charged or not at this stage.

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    Sorry but these plans are really clear. Are you suggesting that you take the train to Horsforth and then get a bus from Parkway station to the airport? Then from the airport, get a bus to the train station? Am I missing something? Why would anybody get a bus/taxi to Leeds train station, then get on a train to Parkway then get on a bus? Why does the train not start/finish at or under the airport terminal itself? Anything less just seems pointless.

    @nikgreenuk asked about 5 years ago

    Thank you for your question. LBA Parkway station will provide improved connectivity to Leeds Bradford Airport from Leeds, Harrogate, York and beyond. Trains will call at the new rail station, then access to the terminal building will be provided by a short bus ride from the station.

    At this stage, it is unlikely that a direct rail link will be affordable and offer value for money. Building a station at the Airport Terminal building requires an additional heavy rail link from the existing railway line to the Airport. The Combined Authority commissioned some outline options appraisal work in 2016. The report indicated that a heavy rail link cannot be achieved without extensive tunnelling and cuttings which would incur significant costs. There is potential for a light rail, or tram-train link option, to link the Airport terminal to the existing Harrogate line. However, the cost for a tram-train / light rail link would be significant and would necessitate bespoke vehicles for a tram–train system.
    Although the costs for delivering the proposed Leeds Bradford Airport Parkway Station are still being refined, it is anticipated that a Parkway Station will be able to deliver significant benefits at a significantly lower total cost. 

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    What impact would extra trains ie to/from the (possible) LBA Parkway station have on existing trains/timetable on the Leeds / Harrogate line have? Logic would indicate that journey times would be longer and/or there would be less Leeds / Harrogate traffic as capacity is limited on the line is already limited

    kevin Morgan asked about 5 years ago

    Development of a suitable train services timetable on this route will be a continuous process throughout the development of this project. It is not expected that additional trains, solely to serve LBA parkway, would operate on the line. Existing services would call at the new station.

    The Combined Authority will continue to work with the relevant train operators and Transport for the North to deliver the most appropriate timetable that meets the needs of passengers based on the network capacity and the availability and suitability of the rolling stock. 

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    Is it not possible to connect the airport directly to the existing rail line,doing away with the need for a shuttle bus service?.

    Jeff Swinney asked about 5 years ago

    At this stage, it is unlikely that a direct rail link will be affordable and offer value for money. Building a station at the Airport Terminal building requires an additional heavy rail link from the existing railway line to the Airport. The Combined Authority commissioned some outline options appraisal work in 2016. The report indicated that a heavy rail link cannot be achieved without extensive tunnelling and cuttings which would incur significant costs. There is potential for a light rail or tram-train link option to link the Airport terminal to the existing Harrogate line. However, the cost for a tram-train / light rail link would be significant and would necessitate bespoke vehicles for a tram–train system.

    Although the costs for delivering the proposed Leeds Bradford Airport Parkway Station are still being refined it is anticipated that a Parkway Station will be able to deliver significant benefits at a significantly lower total cost.

  • Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    The WYCA is exploring Light Rail as a future transport solution. One day its conceivable Tram Train from the Harrogate line to terminal front could be a very desirable option. Why is the future alignment of such a route not being masterplanned now as part of these proposals? Otherwise it may be that the new road and station are constructed in the way of any future line. This would add much cost and complexity to such a future development. Potentially road option A may require an underpass for light rail to pass under. To retro fit would be impossible. Furthermore link buses could use the same route to terminal via traffic free bus only road?

    garethleeds asked about 5 years ago

    Previous studies have considered the feasibility of providing a light rail or tram-train link to Leeds Bradford Airport. This work showed that the cost for a tram-train / light rail link would be significant, requiring bespoke vehicles for a tram–train system. Therefore as part of this project we are progressing proposals to operate a dedicated shuttle bus facility which will provide a regular and reliable transfer between the parkway station and terminal building.

    Further information on our developing future connectivity plans can be found on https://www.yourvoice.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/connectivityplan. We intend to start initial public engagement on the developing plans from mid May 2019. During this time you will have the opportunity to complete a survey, with your feedback helping to shape the future of transport in the region. Please sign up to be kept informed.