Leeds: Uncertainty over White Rose station

Uncertainty remains over when construction work will resume on a new £26.5 million train station in Leeds.

Work at White Rose Station, between Morley and Cottingley, was halted in March when contractors walked out due to rising costs.

The project began in March 2022 with the station, which will serve the offices of the White Rose Business Park and the adjoining shopping centre, White Rose, due to open early this year.

West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) said the station was a “major priority” and was working with partners to “see it open as soon as possible”.

However, Oliver Newton, a councilor for Morley South, said people had been left in the dark about when the work would be completed.

“I haven’t heard anything from anyone for three months.

“The community really needs this asset in terms of delivering the local transport that people are crying out for in this area.

“Ultimately, no one can say when it will happen.”

The project is being funded by WYCA and Munroe K, who own the adjoining business park, and have contributed £4m.

How much the scheme’s costs have risen has not been made public.

A WYCA spokesman said: “This scheme is a major priority for West Yorkshire.

“We are committed to working with partners to get it open as soon as possible.”

Munroe K did not respond to requests for comment.

Meanwhile, delays at the White Rose station have fueled fears that other communities will not see their station built.

In Calderdale, work was due to start on a £25m station for Elland last year but has been pushed back to 2026.

Steven Wearing, from the Halifax and District Rail Action Group, said: “The longer it goes on, the higher the costs can be.

“The authorities who are planning this really need to shake their heads and go.

“This station will massively benefit Elland and the surrounding area.”

WYCA said it remained “committed to delivering the project as efficiently as possible”.

A spokesman added: “A contractor is due to be appointed shortly to help progress the next stage of the project.

“Once complete, this new station will make it easier for people to travel across Calderdale and beyond as we create a better connected region that works for everyone.”