The Department for Transport (DfT) has indicated that it is willing to reexamine potential solutions following discussions with the Transport Committee. This development comes as welcome news to Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, the Leader of Bradford Council, who expressed her satisfaction with the government’s change in policy from the original Integrated Rail Plan (IRP).
Councillor Hinchcliffe also extended her gratitude to Rail Minister Huw Merriman for clarifying the government’s commitment to exploring feasible alternatives that would enhance connectivity between Bradford and other cities in the North and beyond.
Recognising the tremendous growth prospects within the Bradford district, Councillor Hinchcliffe is confident that this collaboration with the government will enable them to leverage their existing work and establish a compelling business case for further investment. She firmly believes that improved connectivity and the establishment of a new railway station are both attainable goals for Bradford.
Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, Leader of Bradford Council, said: “I am delighted that the Government has announced this change of policy from the original Integrated Rail Plan (IRP). I’m grateful to the Rail Minister Huw Merriman for making it clear, with this change, that Government is now committed to exploring deliverable options to better connect Bradford to other cities in the North and beyond.
“We know, from the work we have done, that the opportunities for growth in Bradford district are considerable. So I am confident that now Government has committed to working with us in this way, we will be able to build on that work and establish a good business case for further investment from Government. We think, looking to the future, better connectivity and a new station are both achievable for Bradford.
“Our ambitions to deliver affordable rail options on a mainline railway for residents, businesses and visitors are crucial to realising the growth opportunities which the district offers. We are investing in several large-scale place-making projects to modernise our city centre and towns ready for being UK City of Culture in 2025. And our regeneration plans don’t stop there.
“These are exciting times for the Bradford district. The work with the Government starts now. There’s already a meeting in the diary for next week with Government Ministers and the district’s MPs and myself to discuss next steps.”
