FAQs
Station location
- Providing an accessible station for all users
- Serving the local communities of Cottingley, Churwell and Millshaw and better serving local demand (with potential for a bus / rail interchange at White Rose Shopping Centre (WRSC))
- Connecting employees, customers, students and visitors to the WRSC, WROP, Millshaw Industrial Estate and Elliott Hudson Academy
- Connecting people to jobs education and training opportunities at existing and new developments in the area
- Providing a springboard for regeneration, housing growth, economic activity and jobs in the surrounding area.
Where will the proposed new White Rose station be located?
The proposed new station at White Rose will be located on the northwest boundary of the Millshaw Park Industrial Estate between Churwell viaduct to the north and Walkers Bridge to the south on the Leeds to Dewsbury section of the main Trans-Pennine railway line in south Leeds (Huddersfield Line).
What other locations for the station have been considered?
What is the purpose of the station?
Was the line between Outwood and Leeds, which runs close to the White Rose Centre to the east, considered at any point as a possible location for a new station as part of this process?
Why do you think White Rose shoppers will use a station over 1km from the shopping centre?
This question was received from a member of the public through the Q&A section of the engagement page.
The strategic purpose of White Rose Rail Station is not only to connect shoppers and employees to the White Rose Shopping Centre. It is also to serve the local community demand from Cottingley, Churwell, Millshaw and Morley (with potential for a bus/rail interchange at White Rose Shopping Centre), and connect people to jobs, education and training opportunities at existing and new development in the White Rose Office Park area.
The proposed station location is significantly less than 1 kilometre (circa 450 metres) from the White Rose Shopping Centre.Station facilities
- Providing an accessible station for all users
- Serving the local communities of Cottingley, Churwell and Millshaw and better serving local demand (with potential for a bus / rail interchange at White Rose Shopping Centre (WRSC))
- Connecting employees, customers, students and visitors to the WRSC, WROP, Millshaw Industrial Estate and Elliott Hudson Academy
- Connecting people to jobs education and training opportunities at existing and new developments in the area
- Providing a springboard for regeneration, housing growth, economic activity and jobs in the surrounding area.
What provision will the station have for car parking?
Will station car parking by charged?
Will buses serve the new rail station?
Development of suitable bus service provision to this station will be a continuous process throughout the development of this project. We will continue to work with Leeds City Council and bus operators to deliver the most appropriate services that meets the needs of passengers. There is also an opportunity to improve bus and rail interchange through improvements to the pedestrian walking route to the White Rose shopping centre.
The Station Developer Munroe K have made commitment to provide an on demand bus service provision to the new station for at least the first year of service.
Will the station be staffed?
What passenger waiting facilities will the station have?
Will the station have facilities to purchase a ticket?
Will the station have toilets?
Will the station have lifts and be compliant to modern accessibility standards?
Yes, the station will be designed to the latest accessibility standards which will include the provision of passenger lifts to both platforms. Cross platform access will be through the existing pedestrian underpass.
Who will be responsible for operating and managing the station?
Our current assumption is Northern will operate and manage the station. This, however, might be subject to change as the station is more developed and this will be reviewed as part of the wider considerations for the Combined Authority.
What facilities will be provided for cyclists?
Will the station have CCTV?
How long will the platforms be and will they be able to accommodate 6 car trains?
This question was received from a member of the public through the Q&A section of the engagement page.
At this stage it is envisaged that platforms will not only accommodate 6
carriage trains, but also leave passive provision through future proofing
design to extend platform length to accommodate 8 carriage trains, should
future rolling stock offer provision for this. Proposals are at an early stage
and access arrangements will be determined as the scheme progresses.
Will footpath/bike access be added from the proposed new station towards Churwell (perhaps behind the allotments, heading towards Tesco Express), rather than just linking to Elland Road by Churwell viaduct? It would seem sensible to link the residential areas directly west of the proposed station instead of just the White Rose Centre and office park.
This question was received from a member of the public through the Q&A section of the engagement page.
At this stage it is envisaged that pedestrian and cycle access to a new
station would be developed as part of the wider masterplan proposals of the
Developer. Aspirations are at an early stage and access arrangements will
be determined as the scheme progresses.
Where is the parking? How can you add buildings to the Arlington when there is already no-where near enough parking to park? I work at Capita and we already have nowhere to park, new people are just told to park at White Rose or on the streets, this is crazy talk!
This question was received from a member of the public through the Q&A section of the engagement page.
The strategic purpose of the proposed White Rose railway station is to promote and encourage new rail journeys, to and from the local areas of Cottingley, Churwell, Millshaw, & Morley. The proposed new station would provide a viable alternative to the private car and should also help to alleviate parking issues within the local area.
The station would aim to connect people by rail to local jobs, education and training opportunities, at existing and new business developments, whilst also connecting shoppers and employees to the White Rose shopping centre. There would also be the potential for bus and rail interchange, at the White Rose shopping centre bus station.
Vehicular access, drop off and blue badge holder parking spaces would be provided at the station. We are keen to improve access to the local rail network through sustainable modes of transport and will explore opportunities to improve the walking and cycling access to the proposed station, as part of the development work.As you have apparently ruled out any provision of a 'Park and Ride' facility at the White Rose Station what is being done to deter those people who will use the White Rose Centre car parks to access the train services to Leeds either to work in the centre or to gain onward services to other parts of Leeds or West Yorkshire? These cars will take up car parking spaces all day in what is, on most days at least, a very busy and full car park. This will inconvenience people who want to either shop at the White Rose Centre or visit the attractions there as there will be even less car parking spaces than there are now. Do you and the White Rose Centre have any plans to curtail this usage of the car parking spaces provided for the customers of the Centre? This is already a problem in Morley itself, especially in the Morrisons Car Park and other free car parking areas around Morley Centre.
This question was received from a member of the public through the Q&A section of the engagement page.
Proposals are at a very early stage. As they progress, The Combined Authority and Leeds City Council will work closely with White Rose shopping centre to develop a management strategy to ensure that the car park facilities at White Rose shopping centre are used appropriately for their customers.
In your piece about the expected development of the White Rose station you stated that you were envisaging a Bus/Rail interchange there. As part of this do you have any plans or ideas of providing a 'Park and Ride' facility at this location? I am sure that if there was one it would be well used considering the number of people from that area that leave their cars parked in both Morley centre (Morrisons etc.) and Morley station and then catch either the bus or train into Leeds and points further.
This question was received from a member of the public through the Q&A section of the phase 1 engagement page.
Rather than generate additional park and ride car journeys, the strategic purpose of White Rose Rail Station is to:
Vehicular access, pickup/drop off and blue badge holder parking spaces would be provided at the station. We are keen to improve access to the local rail network through sustainable modes of transport including walking and cycling and we will explore the opportunities to improve the walking and cycling access to the proposed station as part of the development work.
How will shoppers get to the White Rose shopping centre from the station. It is some distance.
This question was received from a member of the public through the Q&A section of the phase 1 engagement page.
At this early stage, it is envisaged that rail users would access the White Rose Shopping Centre via a pedestrian walkway. Concepts for this access outline the walkway running immediately out of the proposed station building to the shopping centre bus hub, circa 450 metres. Proposals are at an early stage and access arrangements will be determined as the scheme progresses.
Although I do support building this station to accommodate 6 car trains as envisaged and I applaud the WYCA for future proofing this station to accommodate 8 car trains, the three most recent stations within the Leeds City Region at 'Low Moor', 'Kirkstall Forge' and 'Apperley bridge' were all built with platforms only long to accommodate 4 car trains and apparently this new station at Elland is to be built with platforms long enough for 5 car trains. My question is: why is it considered necessary to construct platforms so long when technology such as SDO, (Selective Door Opening) exists?
Timeline and costs
What has been done so far?
West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Leeds City Council, working in partnership with Munroe K, has appointed a development partner to progress the outline business case for a rail station at White Rose on the Huddersfield line.
The first two phases of public engagement regarding this station have taken place. Report have been produced that include all the comments received during the engagement period. The report can be downloaded here.
Construction of the new station began in March 2022, with completion expected early 2023.
Is the proposed railway station at White Rose definitely going ahead and how will it be funded?
Yes, funding for the project has been secured and construction has begun. The station is expected to open in early 2023.
When is it likely to be open?
Construction of the station is expected to complete in early 2023. Services are expected to start calling at the station following this.
How much will the new station cost?
The new station will cost approximately £26.5 million.
What other engagement will be taking place in the future?
A consultation has recently been held regarding the future of Cottingley station. The outcome of this consultation can be found on our web page. We are keen to give the public the change to comment at every step along the way and keep you informed of progress.
Train service provision
- Serve the local community demand from Cottingley, Churwell, Millshaw, & Morley (with potential for a bus/rail interchange at White Rose shopping centre)
- Connect people to jobs, education and training opportunities at existing and new development in the area
- Connect shoppers and employees to the White Rose shopping centre
What train services will call at the station?
Development of a suitable train services timetable on this route will be a continuous process throughout the development of this project. Our current intention is to achieve a two trains per hour service pattern at this location. We 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 sustainability of the rolling stock.
How many carriages will the platforms be able to accommodate? Will this be able to cater for future growth?
Trains on this line are already very congested. Will building this station make a journey even more crowded?
When will the Transpennine Route Upgrade be delivered?
Will the trains go via Bramley West Yorkshire?
This question was received from a member of the public through the Q&A section of the engagement page.
How will the provision of this station impact the proposals for a standard 40 minute service between Leeds and Manchester? There appears to be little space to provide passing loops at the station so those aspirations will require either careful timetabling or improved provision for slower trains to be overtaken between Huddersfield and Dewsbury so that trains stopping at White Rose do not cause a bottleneck. Why does the artist's impression not include electrification?
The Combined Authority and Leeds City Council will work with the rail industry and Transport for the North to work out a timetable that best serves the demand for passengers on this route. An operating timetable would be determined as the scheme progresses. The artist impressions are only intended to illustrate our proposals for the new station. We await an announcement from the Department for Transport on the separate proposals for the potential electrification of the railway at this location as part of the TransPennine Route Upgrade, which is expected by the end of the year. The Combined Authority’s policy position is to support the electrification of this route
Can you tell me where trains to White Rose rail station will run from?
This question was received from a member of the public through the Q&A section of the engagement page.
The proposed station location is on the straight section of track south of Elland Road A643 (Churwell viaduct) as shown in the illustrations below:
Proposals are at a very early stage, The Combined Authority and Leeds City Council will work with the rail industry and Transport for the North to work out a timetable that best serves the demand for passengers on this route. An operating timetable would be determined as the scheme progresses.
Would there be additional trains? Would there be parking at White Rose to enable those working in central Leeds to commute reducing congestion and pollution in the city?
This question was received from a member of the public through the Q&A section of the engagement page.
Both Northern and TPE franchises are committed to introduce new trains and more carriages within the current franchises. 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.
Rather than generate additional park and ride car journeys, the strategic purpose of White Rose Rail Station is to:
Vehicular access, pickup/drop off and blue badge holder parking spaces would be provided at the station. We are keen to improve access to the local rail network through sustainable modes of transport including walking and cycling and we will explore the opportunities to improve the walking and cycling access to the proposed station as part of the development work.
Why can't trains take turns at stopping at Cottingley and White Rose? I believe two stations would be great for South Leeds regeneration
This question was received from a member of the public through the Q&A section of the engagement page.
White Rose station forms part of an improved city transport system and is part of a wider transport investment and regeneration programme, the Leeds Public Transport Investment Programme. We have done detailed work to understand the potential implications of this development for Cottingley station, because it is not possible for these two stations that are so close together to be fully sustained. Following this assessment we undertook substantial consultation with local people to understand their needs and develop a scheme that best meets their requirements. We have also explored a range of options to ensure people in Cottingley and neighbouring areas have the access they need to the rail network and other transport links, including the potential for an on-demand bus service for the community.
More information on Cottingley rail station can be found on our YourVoice Page, Consultation regarding the future of Cottingley rail station.
Local interfaces
The station will be very close to Cottingley station, how will Cottingley station be affected?
Please visit our YourVoice page ‘Consultation regarding the future of Cottingley rail station’ for more information on Cottingley.
What improvements will be made to the local road and pedestrian and cycling network surrounding the proposed White Rose station?
The improvements on pedestrian and cycling routes would form part of the White Rose Office Park Masterplan which is still at early stage of development. We are keen to improve access to the local rail network through sustainable modes of transport including walking and cycling.
The ring road is currently very congested, especially around the Millshaw roundabout. What plans are there to improve the flow of traffic and make sure that vehicle access to the rail station doesn't make things worse?
Feasibility work is on-going for the A6110 and A653 corridors, the proposals include improvements to a services of key junctions along the route including the White Rose/Millshaw roundabout. Also included within the proposals are a series of sustainable travel infrastructure improvements. The proposals are still under development, however it is hoped that early interventions will be onsite within the next couple of years.
Has a Transport Impact Assessment been carried out?
Yes, a Transport Impact Assessment has been produced as part of the statutory planning process.
Has an Environmental Impact Assessment been carried out?
Yes, an Environmental Impact Assessment has been produced as part of the statutory planning process.
Would Morley station be closed due to the opening of White Rose station?
This question was received from a member of the public through the Q&A section of the engagement page.
Thank you for your question. It is not expected
that the proposed White Rose Station will have any impact on Morley Rail
Station, which will remain open.
My concern is that if Cottingley station was to close how accessible the new station would be from within Cottingley estate. I live opposite the station.
This question was received from a member of the public through the Q&A section of the engagement page.
Dependant on exactly where you live, the walk to the new station will take around eight minutes longer than the walk to the current station. Please see the below map for the details:
How will this station impact upon the already struggling retail sector in the City Centre?
This question was received from a member of the public through the Q&A section of the engagement page.
Apart from serving the retail developments, the proposed station is intended to connect residential areas of Churwell and Cottingley to local urban centres such as Leeds and Huddersfield and York as well as support the existing and new office development. The wider economic impacts of the scheme will be assessed as part of the Business Case.
Will opening White Rose station mean the closure of Cottingley Station?
This question was received from a member of the public through the Q&A section of the engagement page.
For more information on Cottingley station, please see our YourVoice page ‘Consultation regarding the future of Cottingley rail station’.
Will there be access to the new station form Elland Road/Victoria Road A643?
This question was received from a member of the public through the Q&A section of the engagement page.
It is envisaged that vehicular access to a new station would be via Elland Road A643.
You have, apparently, ruled out a station for Elland Road. However could you not make a 'Stop' there to be used only during match days? Alternatively would you be prepared to provide a shuttle bus from the White Rose station to Elland Road on match days? This would make it easier for supporters of BOTH teams to get there whilst severally cutting down the congestion and, of course, the pollution caused by the number of vehicles attending on match days. The cost of the shuttle bus could be included in price of the rail ticket. This would, of course, necessitate the provision of extra trains and/or more carriages on match days. Would this be something that you would look at favourably considering the commitment of Leeds City Council in reducing pollution and congestion in the city?
This question was received from a member of the public through the Q&A section of the engagement page.
A range of locations within the Leeds City Region were assessed for their potential to accommodate a new railway station. The potential for a new rail station at Elland Road (on the Wakefield Line) was assessed, but this location was not identified as a priority site.
The cost of developing and implementing a basic station is £10+million. New stations need to demonstrate a robust business case, with the economic benefits and additional revenue from new users outweighing the infrastructure costs and additional rolling stock costs. This would be particularly difficult to achieve if only operating to/from a station on match days.
Proposals for a new rail station at White Rose do not include scope for the introduction of a match day shuttle bus.
Are you going to have a stop at Elland Road stadium on the White Rose line? It seems to make sense to prevent trouble in the city and congestion on the buses to the ground?
This question was received from a member of the public through the Q&A section of the engagement page.
A range of locations within the Leeds City Region were assessed for their potential to accommodate a new railway station. The potential for a new rail station at Elland Road (on the Wakefield Line) was assessed, but this location was not identified as a priority site due to the limited availability of land and capacity on the line.
Would the White Rose station affect the nearby Arlington Business Centre at all?
This question was received from a member of the public through the Q&A section of the engagement page.
The proposed rail station at White Rose is expected to have a positive effect on local business, including the businesses located at the Arlington Business Centre. This was a deciding factor in the selection of White Rose as a preferred station location, with the station providing enhanced connectivity to the jobs market across the Leeds City Region and beyond.