Bradford’s Southern Gateway train station could still go ahead as Bradford Council announced that it was working with the UK Infrastructure Bank (UKIB) on delivery and finance options for the project.
The Southern Gateway train station is part of a wider regeneration project which involves 120 hectares of land earmarked for sustainable development.
The Southern Gateway train station was initially planned under Northern Powerhouse Rail, however those plans were scrapped in 2022, leaving Bradford with no through station. It is hoped, if the project does go ahead that the new station will improve east-west connectivity and shorten journey times.
Kersten England, chief executive officer, City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council said: “Our collaboration with UKIB will help us unlock investment options, identify further funding models and work through the practicalities of market and state finance to realise our ambitions.
“Bradford has a pivotal role to play across the whole of the North of England. Rail investment to enhance connections east and west through Bradford will enable our district to be at the forefront of progressive place-making and sustainability over the decades to come.”
UKIB’s involvement in the project follows on from two initial pilot projects in transport undertaken by the Bank’s advisory service in Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire for both mass transit and zero emission buses. It’s primary role in the project will focus on assessing commercial and financial challenges alongside funding and delivery structures that could be adopted.
John Flint, chief executive officer of the UK Infrastructure Bank, said: “As a Bank based in the region, this partnership with Bradford Council is a great opportunity for our team to advise and support a local authority on our own doorstep.
The successful delivery of projects which link improved public transport with wider regeneration are critical to the Bank’s mission to boost regional and local economic growth and help the UK make the transition to Net Zero.”
Want to know more about the opportunities to become a key supplier to the UK rail industry? Attend TransCityRail and access an exclusive marketplace of buyers from Network Rail, HS2, Train Operators, Major Contractors, and all other tiers of the supply chain. For more information and to secure your place click here.
