New £24m platform to boost city train services

Bradford Forster Square station is to get a new £24m platform

Bradford's Forster Square station is to get a new £24m platform to boost rail services in the city.

Rail Minister Huw Merriman said the government-funded scheme would futureproof the station for generations to come.

It could lead to five more trains to London each day, the Department for Transport said.

Bradford Council leader Susan Hinchcliffe said it would provide much-needed extra capacity "in time for the district’s year as City of Culture in 2025".

Mr Merriman said the new platform would reduce delays, ease congestion and improve access into the city for passengers, commuters and tourists.

He said: “Bradford is benefitting from serious investment in rail infrastructure, with £24m towards a new platform for Forster Square Station helping to improve rail journeys, increase rail services and better connect passengers."

Operator LNER runs two daily trains each way between Forster Square and London Kings Cross, via Leeds.

'Big increase'

The Department for Transport said the new platform would allow for an extra five LNER services a day.

Warrick Dent, LNER’s safety and operations director, said: “LNER welcomes the news of investment in a new platform at Bradford Forster Square which will allow us to run more trains to and from the city.

"Our timetable plans will be announced nearer the time, and need approval by the Department for Transport, but we would expect to see a big increase in the number of LNER services."

Bradford is preparing to become the UK’s City of Culture in 2025, with the new platform expected to open during the year.

Ms Hinchcliffe said: "The new platform at Forster Square Station will provide much-needed additional capacity and connectivity for Bradford in time for the district’s year as City of Culture in 2025 and for generations to come, enabling greater mobility and access to opportunity across the district."

The announcement came as Mr Merriman visited Bradford to discuss separate plans for a new station in the city.

He met with local leaders and businesses, after Bradford Council secured £400,000 in November to develop the scheme.

A total of £2bn has been earmarked for the new station's construction.