FAQs

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).

Options for locations have been constrained by the track alignment to the south and the Churwell Viaduct to the North.  The proposed station is therefore located immediately on the straight section of track after the alignment transition away from the curve.  This also conveniently aligns the location immediately over the existing pedestrian underpass which would facilitate cross platform movement and access to the White Rose Office Park development.

- Serve the local communities of Cottingley, Churwell and Millshaw

- Better serve the local demand and facilitate better bus / rail interchange at White Rose shopping centre

- An accessible station for all users

- Connecting people to jobs, education and training opportunities at existing and new developments in the area

- Connecting shoppers and employees to the White Rose shopping centre

This question was received from a member of the public through the Q&A section of the engagement page.

The Wakefield Line between Outwood and Leeds has not been considered as a location for a White Rose station because the proposed station location on the Huddersfield Line between Cottingley and Morley is significantly closer to the White Rose shopping centre, local communities of Cottingley, Churwell, Millshaw, Morley and the White Rose Office Park.

A new station study in 2014 examined three locations on the Wakefield line between Outwood and Leeds, two sites in East Ardsley and a site at Elland Road/Beeston. However, these locations were not recommended for further business case development at this stage.

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.

A small number of station car parking and parking spaces for blue badge holders will be provided in the close vicinity of the station.  Vehicle access to the station would be accommodated via access road and appropriate pick up / drop off point will be incorporated as part of the scheme.  The Combined Authority is keen to improve access to the local rail network through sustainable modes of transport including walking and cycling.

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.

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.

Based on the anticipated footfall of the station, the station will be categorised as an unstaffed station.  The developer of White Rose office park have aspiration to provide enhanced facilities for the station and it is possible that some form of staff presence could be provided by the developer.

The station will have passenger waiting shelters provided on both platforms.  The developer of the White Rose office park have aspiration to provide a station building adjacent to the proposed rail station.

Ticket Vending Machines will be provided at the station.

It is not proposed that the platforms will be equipped with toilet facilities.  All trains calling at the station are equipped with on-board toilet facilities.

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.

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.

The station will have secure cycle parking facilities with low energy lighting and covered by CCTV.

The station will be covered by a CCTV system including cameras located throughout the station platforms and the main passenger facilities.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

This question was received from a member of the public through the Q&A section of the engagement page.

Rather than generate additional park and ride car journeys, the strategic purpose of White Rose Rail Station is to:

• 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

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.

This question was received from a member of the public through the Q&A section of the engagement page.

At this early stage, it is envisaged that rail users would access the White Rose Shopping Centre via pedestrian high-line walkway. Concepts for this access outline the high-line 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.

This question was received from a member of the public through the Q&A section of the engagement page.

We have been working closely with the Train Operating Companies on the route to determine the most appropriate length of platforms based on the types and length of rolling stock that are most likely deployed on the route.  It is felt that  6-car length platforms are more appropriate for this location given the nature of the route and this will provide the flexibility to accommodate 6-car trains in this location.  For a brand new station, we would like to provide maximum flexibility to cater for different operational scenarios in the future whenever possible.

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 reports can be downloaded here.

Construction of the new station began in March 2022, with completion expected early 2023.

Yes, funding for the project has been secured and construction has begun. The station is expected to open in early 2023.

Construction of the station is expected to complete in early 2023. Services are expected to start calling at the station following this.

The new station will cost approximately £26.5 million.

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.

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 following the Transpennine Route Upgrade.  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.

Platforms are currently designed to accommodate 6-car trains which should be sufficient to meet the requirements of the likely services with passive provision of space to accommodate 8-car trains.

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.

The Department for Transport has plans to invest £3 billion improving journeys on the Transpennine route from Spring 2019.The Government is working with Network Rail and Rail North to determine the best way to achieve significant passenger improvements on this key route between Manchester, Leeds and York, and we are engaging with this process.
A range of options are being assessed for this upgrade, including full or partial electrification, digital railway technology to improve safety and reliability and track enhancements to reduce journey times and increase capacity.
The Department for Transport has confirmed that further decisions will be made later this year.

This question was received from a member of the public through the Q&A section of the engagement page.

The proposed station is on the route from Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Victoria (via Huddersfield and Leeds) to York so the trains will therefore not go via Bramley.

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.

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) – illustrations below:

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.

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;

• 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

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.

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.

Please visit our YourVoice page ‘Consultation regarding the future of Cottingley rail station’ for more information on Cottingley.

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.

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.

Yes, a Transport Impact Assessment has been produced as part of the statutory planning process.

Yes, an Environmental Impact Assessment has been produced as part of the statutory planning process.

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.

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:

This question was received from a member of the public through the Q&A section of the engagement page.

This question was received from a member of the public through the Q&A section of the engagement page.

Proposals for a new rail station at White Rose do not include scope for the creation of new tram service in the area.

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’.

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.

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.

This question was received from a member of the public through the Q&A section of the engagement page.

Most bus services in Leeds operate on radial routes into and out of the city centre. There are two key reasons for this. The first being that the city centre is the largest employment and retail zone in the district. This makes it the most popular destination for trips by bus and car. In the future it is anticipated that most of the employment and retail growth will be in and around the city centre and the bulk of the housing growth outside the centre which means the demand for these trips is going to increase significantly. The second reason is that these routes are the most profitable. This is important as the bus services in West Yorkshire are operated privately and local government is unable to define the routes and or the fair costs. 

One of the key messages we have been hearing over the past 6 months with regards to the bus network is that people want to see more orbital routes, around the city centre connecting communities and smaller urban centres. The West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Leeds City Council and the bus operators have committed to reviewing the bus network as a whole and the viability/deliverability of orbital services. A fund worth several millions of pounds has been identified to help make this happen. We hope to announce further information in the coming months.

This question was received from a member of the public through the Q&A section of the engagement page.

Thank you for your comment.

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.

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.