Preferred route of new tram line revealed

Bradford Council favours a route to Leeds via Laisterdyke and Armley

Bradford Council has indicated which route it would prefer the new Mass Transit network to take between the city and Leeds.

West Yorkshire Combined Authority had already confirmed that two tram routes would be built as part of the first phase of the scheme.

One would connect Bradford and Leeds, but different alignments were proposed as part of a consultation.

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council's executive member for transport, said it was "a huge opportunity to grow our economy and better connect our communities".

Housing growth

The council has selected an option that would take the tram system through Laisterdyke and Armley rather than see it pass through Stanningley or Wortley.

This proposal would utilise a disused railway line to the north of Holme Wood, a route through the Parry Lane Enterprise Zone and run along Bowling Back Lane to Wakefield Road.

It would then approach the city centre via Bridge Street and Market Street before stopping at Forster Square Station.

The council said the route had the best chance of directly serving the Southern Gateway area, which had been identified for regeneration and as having potential for new housing growth.

Mr Ross-Shaw added: "We're working to ensure the proposed Mass Transit system contributes to significant growth and regeneration in central Bradford, and that the designs take into account all the work currently being done to make our city centre more pedestrian-friendly."

The other proposed tram route is a trans-Leeds line that would operate between St James's Hospital and the White Rose Centre.

Members of the public also took part in the consultation for the first phase of the new transport network.

More detailed plans will are expected to be developed and consulted on in late 2025.

Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North or tell us a story you think we should be covering here.