Thorpe Park Rail Station

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Background

We are developing plans to build a new rail station on the existing Leeds to York section of the Trans-Pennine railway line - between Cross Gates and Garforth Stations. The station would sit within the wider development at Thorpe Park which is a mixed-use office, commercial and residential area. The site would also be near to the southern end of the East Leeds Orbital Route (ELOR).

Thorpe Park Rail Station received Outline Business Case approval in October 2021. The station is currently in the design phase and working towards Full Business Case, which will be submitted following application of planning consents and further public engagement. This will be followed by the delivery phase, subject to receiving planning consent and the relevant political approvals.

The first phase of public engagement regarding this station took place 2 July - 3 August 2018 and a report was produced analysing the feedback we received during this period.

The next phase of public consultation is planned for Spring 2025. If you haven’t done so already, we encourage you to sign-up to updates on Your Voice to be kept informed of future activity.

For information about the Thorpe Park rail station proposal, and what we engaged the public on in summer 2018, please visit an archived copy of the engagement website.


Project objectives and benefits

Improving the rail network is an important part of the strategy that aims to improve journeys for existing passengers, as well as attracting new users. With significant development and investment across the city, the rail network must connect people to where they want to go. It is also important to make sure Leeds is ready to maximise the benefits and future opportunities of Northern Powerhouse Rail. The station will also help to reduce road congestion, through reduced road journeys.

Thorpe Park Rail Station proposals have the following objectives and benefits:

  • Serve the established Thorpe Park development including business park, leisure and retail facilities, providing improved transport links for employees and visitors
  • Connecting people to jobs in existing and new developments around the area
  • Provide an accessible station for all users
  • Better rail service for local demand (with park and ride for commuters)
  • Encourage more people to travel by public transport
  • Improve rail access for local residents in the East Leeds area
  • Form part of wider connectivity for new transport infrastructure across the East Leeds Extension, offering integrated public transport for existing and new residents
  • Improve air quality and reduce carbon emissions by taking cars off the road
  • Provide station parking for commuters
  • Help employers have access to a wider labour network by creating a better connection to the city centre, and reducing journey times

What is proposed?

The current design proposal for the station includes:

  • Two platforms (plus one interim platform)
  • Footbridge
  • Ticket machines and covered seating area
  • Lift access on both platforms to the footbridge
  • Step free access and egress onto both platforms
  • Cycle lane and cycle storage
  • Drop off and pick up point
  • Rail services with a minimum of two trains per hour
  • 500 - 800 space car park with blue badge parking spaces and electric vehicle charging points
  • Provision for bus service including turning circle

Climate emergency

Since the previous engagement, the Combined Authority and Leeds City Council have declared a climate emergency. Tackling the climate emergency is one of the Combined Authority’s four strategic priorities and with our partners, the Combined Authority has set a target to create a net zero carbon Leeds City Region by 2038.

Thorpe Park Rail Station seeks to meet the current demand for sustainable travel to and from the Thorpe Park development. The station will help ease current congestion and associated air quality issues by improving access by public transport, by encouraging fewer people to drive to the area. The station will help to connect new residential areas in the East Leeds Extension and at Thorpe Park to local urban centres such as Leeds and Bradford for typically commuting and leisure purposes. Another aim of the station is to increase sustainable travel, catering for longer distances, typically business trips to urban centres such as York and Manchester with the provision of the park and ride facilities which encourage transfer to rail and reduce car vehicle kilometres driven. The station will help to connect the existing and new office, leisure and retail developments at Thorpe Park to employees and customers throughout West Yorkshire.

The proposal will be informed by the Combined Authority’s Carbon Impact Audit, as will all of the Combined Authority’s transport infrastructure and economic regeneration projects.

Funding and approvals

The station is currently being funded by the New Stations Fund 3 and West Yorkshire-plus Transport Fund. The Transport Fund is targeted at enabling key development areas and will help to create about 20,000 new jobs. A number of strategic transport projects will be delivered to facilitate growth identified in the Strategic Economic Plan (SEP). For further information on the West Yorkshire-plus Transport Fund, visit the Combined Authority's Annual Meeting page.

The delivery of the station beyond the Full Business Case is subject to the relevant approvals, as defined in the Leeds City Region Assurance Framework.

Next steps

Thorpe Park Rail Station is currently working towards Full Business Case. Prior to submission of the Full Business Case there will be a public engagement exercise and planning approvals will be sought.

If you would like to keep informed of the project, please register here to be a part of Your Voice.

Please contact us if you would like to receive this information in an alternative format.

Background

We are developing plans to build a new rail station on the existing Leeds to York section of the Trans-Pennine railway line - between Cross Gates and Garforth Stations. The station would sit within the wider development at Thorpe Park which is a mixed-use office, commercial and residential area. The site would also be near to the southern end of the East Leeds Orbital Route (ELOR).

Thorpe Park Rail Station received Outline Business Case approval in October 2021. The station is currently in the design phase and working towards Full Business Case, which will be submitted following application of planning consents and further public engagement. This will be followed by the delivery phase, subject to receiving planning consent and the relevant political approvals.

The first phase of public engagement regarding this station took place 2 July - 3 August 2018 and a report was produced analysing the feedback we received during this period.

The next phase of public consultation is planned for Spring 2025. If you haven’t done so already, we encourage you to sign-up to updates on Your Voice to be kept informed of future activity.

For information about the Thorpe Park rail station proposal, and what we engaged the public on in summer 2018, please visit an archived copy of the engagement website.


Project objectives and benefits

Improving the rail network is an important part of the strategy that aims to improve journeys for existing passengers, as well as attracting new users. With significant development and investment across the city, the rail network must connect people to where they want to go. It is also important to make sure Leeds is ready to maximise the benefits and future opportunities of Northern Powerhouse Rail. The station will also help to reduce road congestion, through reduced road journeys.

Thorpe Park Rail Station proposals have the following objectives and benefits:

  • Serve the established Thorpe Park development including business park, leisure and retail facilities, providing improved transport links for employees and visitors
  • Connecting people to jobs in existing and new developments around the area
  • Provide an accessible station for all users
  • Better rail service for local demand (with park and ride for commuters)
  • Encourage more people to travel by public transport
  • Improve rail access for local residents in the East Leeds area
  • Form part of wider connectivity for new transport infrastructure across the East Leeds Extension, offering integrated public transport for existing and new residents
  • Improve air quality and reduce carbon emissions by taking cars off the road
  • Provide station parking for commuters
  • Help employers have access to a wider labour network by creating a better connection to the city centre, and reducing journey times

What is proposed?

The current design proposal for the station includes:

  • Two platforms (plus one interim platform)
  • Footbridge
  • Ticket machines and covered seating area
  • Lift access on both platforms to the footbridge
  • Step free access and egress onto both platforms
  • Cycle lane and cycle storage
  • Drop off and pick up point
  • Rail services with a minimum of two trains per hour
  • 500 - 800 space car park with blue badge parking spaces and electric vehicle charging points
  • Provision for bus service including turning circle

Climate emergency

Since the previous engagement, the Combined Authority and Leeds City Council have declared a climate emergency. Tackling the climate emergency is one of the Combined Authority’s four strategic priorities and with our partners, the Combined Authority has set a target to create a net zero carbon Leeds City Region by 2038.

Thorpe Park Rail Station seeks to meet the current demand for sustainable travel to and from the Thorpe Park development. The station will help ease current congestion and associated air quality issues by improving access by public transport, by encouraging fewer people to drive to the area. The station will help to connect new residential areas in the East Leeds Extension and at Thorpe Park to local urban centres such as Leeds and Bradford for typically commuting and leisure purposes. Another aim of the station is to increase sustainable travel, catering for longer distances, typically business trips to urban centres such as York and Manchester with the provision of the park and ride facilities which encourage transfer to rail and reduce car vehicle kilometres driven. The station will help to connect the existing and new office, leisure and retail developments at Thorpe Park to employees and customers throughout West Yorkshire.

The proposal will be informed by the Combined Authority’s Carbon Impact Audit, as will all of the Combined Authority’s transport infrastructure and economic regeneration projects.

Funding and approvals

The station is currently being funded by the New Stations Fund 3 and West Yorkshire-plus Transport Fund. The Transport Fund is targeted at enabling key development areas and will help to create about 20,000 new jobs. A number of strategic transport projects will be delivered to facilitate growth identified in the Strategic Economic Plan (SEP). For further information on the West Yorkshire-plus Transport Fund, visit the Combined Authority's Annual Meeting page.

The delivery of the station beyond the Full Business Case is subject to the relevant approvals, as defined in the Leeds City Region Assurance Framework.

Next steps

Thorpe Park Rail Station is currently working towards Full Business Case. Prior to submission of the Full Business Case there will be a public engagement exercise and planning approvals will be sought.

If you would like to keep informed of the project, please register here to be a part of Your Voice.

Please contact us if you would like to receive this information in an alternative format.

Questions

If you have any questions about the consultation or project, let us know below.

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  • Share When is the next public consultation, you mentioned Spring 2025 which has now elapsed on Facebook Share When is the next public consultation, you mentioned Spring 2025 which has now elapsed on Twitter Share When is the next public consultation, you mentioned Spring 2025 which has now elapsed on Linkedin Email When is the next public consultation, you mentioned Spring 2025 which has now elapsed link

    When is the next public consultation, you mentioned Spring 2025 which has now elapsed

    Joe lomax asked 18 days ago

    Thanks for getting in touch. A period of public engagement will take place prior to submitting the planning application; a date for this is to be determined. 

  • Share Please can you clearly define dates as to when certain actions will be taken to meet the proposed year of 2027 when you believe the station should be in service on Facebook Share Please can you clearly define dates as to when certain actions will be taken to meet the proposed year of 2027 when you believe the station should be in service on Twitter Share Please can you clearly define dates as to when certain actions will be taken to meet the proposed year of 2027 when you believe the station should be in service on Linkedin Email Please can you clearly define dates as to when certain actions will be taken to meet the proposed year of 2027 when you believe the station should be in service link

    Please can you clearly define dates as to when certain actions will be taken to meet the proposed year of 2027 when you believe the station should be in service

    Joe lomax asked 18 days ago

    The Combined Authority is working closely with Network Rail, our delivery partner, and wider stakeholders to progress the Thorpe Park Rail Station project. Given the complexity of delivering large projects in this key and complex part of the network, the design process has required more time than set out in the original programme. Network Rail are currently working through the detailed design phase with their Principal Contractor and the Combined Authority is drafting the Full Business Case ready for submission. A period of public engagement will take place prior to submitting the planning application; a date for this is to be determined.

    Once these phases have been finalised, we will be able to provide more accurate updates regarding timescales, however the current programme envisages that the station will be in operation in 2027. This date is dependent on a number of factors including site surveys, the availability of funding and the relevant approval processes.

  • Share When is the train station expected to begin and be finished? on Facebook Share When is the train station expected to begin and be finished? on Twitter Share When is the train station expected to begin and be finished? on Linkedin Email When is the train station expected to begin and be finished? link

    When is the train station expected to begin and be finished?

    Joe lomax asked about 1 month ago

    The Combined Authority is working closely with Network Rail, our delivery partner, and wider stakeholders to progress the Thorpe Park Rail Station project. 

    Network Rail are currently working through the detailed design phase with their Principal Contractor and the Combined Authority is drafting the Full Business Case ready for submission. 

    Once these phases have been finalised, we will be able to provide more accurate updates regarding timescales, however the current programme envisages that the station will be in operation in 2027. 

    This date is dependent on a number of factors including site surveys, the availability of funding and the relevant approval processes.

  • Share How big are you expecting the car park to be? Will it be multistory and do you envisage any additional traffic in and out of the estate due to additional cars. If the car park wont be free, what measures will be taken to ensure people dont park on the estate outside peoples houses. on Facebook Share How big are you expecting the car park to be? Will it be multistory and do you envisage any additional traffic in and out of the estate due to additional cars. If the car park wont be free, what measures will be taken to ensure people dont park on the estate outside peoples houses. on Twitter Share How big are you expecting the car park to be? Will it be multistory and do you envisage any additional traffic in and out of the estate due to additional cars. If the car park wont be free, what measures will be taken to ensure people dont park on the estate outside peoples houses. on Linkedin Email How big are you expecting the car park to be? Will it be multistory and do you envisage any additional traffic in and out of the estate due to additional cars. If the car park wont be free, what measures will be taken to ensure people dont park on the estate outside peoples houses. link

    How big are you expecting the car park to be? Will it be multistory and do you envisage any additional traffic in and out of the estate due to additional cars. If the car park wont be free, what measures will be taken to ensure people dont park on the estate outside peoples houses.

    Dec38 asked 3 months ago

    Thanks for getting in touch.

    At this stage, the car park layout and exact number of parking spaces is not known as the optioneering for the car park design is still in progress. However, it is envisaged to be between 500 and 800 spaces and will include disabled bays and EV charging spaces. 

    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 and financial cases of the scheme which ultimately brings benefit to the passengers. No decision has been made about whether the rail user car parking will be charged or not at this stage; this will be determined at Full Business Case and reassessed throughout the scheme’s lifecycle.

    Demand modelling is being undertaken to understand the demand for the car park. As part of this, the Combined Authority alongside Thorpe Park Developments Ltd, will be looking at displaced parking and a parking management strategy. We are also working with key stakeholders including Leeds City Council, as the local planning authority, and highways colleagues, to agree an approach.

  • Share Can you ensure this does not reduce service to the stations on the line. For instance east garforth train station which is a popular train station for many Garforth residents. on Facebook Share Can you ensure this does not reduce service to the stations on the line. For instance east garforth train station which is a popular train station for many Garforth residents. on Twitter Share Can you ensure this does not reduce service to the stations on the line. For instance east garforth train station which is a popular train station for many Garforth residents. on Linkedin Email Can you ensure this does not reduce service to the stations on the line. For instance east garforth train station which is a popular train station for many Garforth residents. link

    Can you ensure this does not reduce service to the stations on the line. For instance east garforth train station which is a popular train station for many Garforth residents.

    Philippa asked 6 months ago

    Thank you for getting in touch. 

    The timetable for Thorpe Park has not yet been confirmed. A timetabling study has been undertaken, and the Combined Authority and Network Rail are in consultation with the Train Operating Companies to identify the most suitable timetable solution to enable adequate provision for all stations in the area. This will take into consideration the potential impact on stopping patterns and services currently on the line.

  • Share Several people on here have asked about the timeframes, yet your answers don’t actually answer the question. Why have there been so many delays and when will it actually be built? You’d have thought the council might prioritise this given they want people to use their cars less. There’s no real options at the moment so far as train is concerned to park and ride. on Facebook Share Several people on here have asked about the timeframes, yet your answers don’t actually answer the question. Why have there been so many delays and when will it actually be built? You’d have thought the council might prioritise this given they want people to use their cars less. There’s no real options at the moment so far as train is concerned to park and ride. on Twitter Share Several people on here have asked about the timeframes, yet your answers don’t actually answer the question. Why have there been so many delays and when will it actually be built? You’d have thought the council might prioritise this given they want people to use their cars less. There’s no real options at the moment so far as train is concerned to park and ride. on Linkedin Email Several people on here have asked about the timeframes, yet your answers don’t actually answer the question. Why have there been so many delays and when will it actually be built? You’d have thought the council might prioritise this given they want people to use their cars less. There’s no real options at the moment so far as train is concerned to park and ride. link

    Several people on here have asked about the timeframes, yet your answers don’t actually answer the question. Why have there been so many delays and when will it actually be built? You’d have thought the council might prioritise this given they want people to use their cars less. There’s no real options at the moment so far as train is concerned to park and ride.

    PeteB22 asked 6 months ago

    Thank you for your enquiry into Thorpe Park Station.

    The Combined Authority is working in collaboration with Network Rail, our delivery partner, to develop proposals alongside strategic projects such as the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU). Given the complexity of delivering large projects in this key and complex part of the network, the design process has required more time than set out in our original programme.

    The Thorpe Park Station project is currently working through the detailed design phase and towards the submission of a Full Business Case which will include an updated programme. 

    Once we have worked through this phase, we will be able to provide an accurate programme including a planned opening date. This will be reflected in the Your Voice page for Thorpe Park.

  • Share Why, given this train station was meant to be fully built and working by December 2025, is it now only having a business case and a public consultation in Spring/Summer 2025? Surely, with the climate emergency it should be a priority to actually build the alternative methods of transport rather than delay after delay? on Facebook Share Why, given this train station was meant to be fully built and working by December 2025, is it now only having a business case and a public consultation in Spring/Summer 2025? Surely, with the climate emergency it should be a priority to actually build the alternative methods of transport rather than delay after delay? on Twitter Share Why, given this train station was meant to be fully built and working by December 2025, is it now only having a business case and a public consultation in Spring/Summer 2025? Surely, with the climate emergency it should be a priority to actually build the alternative methods of transport rather than delay after delay? on Linkedin Email Why, given this train station was meant to be fully built and working by December 2025, is it now only having a business case and a public consultation in Spring/Summer 2025? Surely, with the climate emergency it should be a priority to actually build the alternative methods of transport rather than delay after delay? link

    Why, given this train station was meant to be fully built and working by December 2025, is it now only having a business case and a public consultation in Spring/Summer 2025? Surely, with the climate emergency it should be a priority to actually build the alternative methods of transport rather than delay after delay?

    PeteB22 asked 6 months ago

    Thank you for your enquiry into Thorpe Park Station.

    The Combined Authority is working in collaboration with Network Rail, our delivery partner, to develop proposals alongside strategic projects such as the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU). 

    Given the complexity of delivering large projects in this key and complex part of the network, the design process has required more time than set out in our original programme.

  • Share Hello - what are the timelines for submitting the full business case and what are the timescales for the project moving forward? on Facebook Share Hello - what are the timelines for submitting the full business case and what are the timescales for the project moving forward? on Twitter Share Hello - what are the timelines for submitting the full business case and what are the timescales for the project moving forward? on Linkedin Email Hello - what are the timelines for submitting the full business case and what are the timescales for the project moving forward? link

    Hello - what are the timelines for submitting the full business case and what are the timescales for the project moving forward?

    Jim C. asked 7 months ago

    Thank you for your enquiry into Thorpe Park Station.

    The Thorpe Park Station project is currently working through the detailed design phase and towards the submission of a Full Business Case (FBC) which will include an updated programme.

    Once we have worked through this phase we will be able to provide an accurate programme including a planned opening date. This will be reflected in the Your Voice page for Thorpe Park.

  • Share Thorpe Park Rail Station - has this project received approval? on Facebook Share Thorpe Park Rail Station - has this project received approval? on Twitter Share Thorpe Park Rail Station - has this project received approval? on Linkedin Email Thorpe Park Rail Station - has this project received approval? link

    Thorpe Park Rail Station - has this project received approval?

    Courtney asked 8 months ago

    Thank you for your enquiry into Thorpe Park Station.

    The Thorpe Park Station project is currently working through the detailed design phase and towards the submission of a Full Business Case (FBC). 

    The FBC has not yet been submitted to the Strategic Portfolio Office and the delivery of the station beyond the FBC is subject to the relevant approvals, as defined in the Leeds City Region Assurance Framework. 

  • Share Why does this keep being delayed? When is it now anticipated that the new station will open? on Facebook Share Why does this keep being delayed? When is it now anticipated that the new station will open? on Twitter Share Why does this keep being delayed? When is it now anticipated that the new station will open? on Linkedin Email Why does this keep being delayed? When is it now anticipated that the new station will open? link

    Why does this keep being delayed? When is it now anticipated that the new station will open?

    George92 asked 8 months ago

    Thank you for your enquiry into Thorpe Park Station. 

    The Combined Authority is working in collaboration with Network Rail, our delivery partner, to develop proposals alongside strategic projects such as the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU), and given the complexity of delivering large projects in this key and complex part of the network the design process has required more time than set out in our original programme. 

    We are currently developing the Full Business Case (FBC) which will include an updated programme. 

    Once we have worked through this phase we will be able to provide an accurate programme including a planned opening date. This will be reflected in the Your Voice page for Thorpe Park.

Page last updated: 06 Jun 2025, 10:30 AM