The first train will arrive at the new Kirkstall Forge Station at 8.38am on Sunday, it’s been confirmed.
The opening of the station had been delayed after transport chiefs in Leeds were left awaiting approval from the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) to open the station to passengers.
The ORR is the regulator for health and safety across the whole mainline rail network in Britain, as well as London Underground, light rail, trams and the heritage sector.
The opening date of Sunday, June 19 was confirmed three weeks ago .
Initially, one train per hour will call in each direction, with additional services during the morning and evening peaks.
Leeds West MP Rachel Reeves tweeted last night:
“Brilliant news for Kirkstall.”
First train arrives at the new Kirkstall Forge station from Leeds this Sunday 8.38am! Brilliant news for #Kirkstall https://t.co/RBO990jBGN
— Rachel Reeves (@RachelReevesMP) June 14, 2016
Leader of Leeds City Council Councillor Judith Blake said:
“It is fantastic news that rail services to the new Kirkstall Forge Station are about to open.
“The station has a key role to play in realising the major regeneration potential of the broader Kirkstall Forge development, bringing with it new jobs, training opportunities, housing and a range of office and leisure facilities to offer a significant boost to the local economy.”
You can see the new Kirkstall Forge timetable here.
Kirkstall Forge is now showing up on the National Rail Enquiries website:
Hooray! Kirkstall Forge has started showing up on the National Rail Enquiries website! 😍😍😍 pic.twitter.com/0822ksYcIc
— Sam Meadley (@sammeadley) June 14, 2016
However, passengers don’t seem to be able to book for Kirkstall Forge yet, with an error message coming up on the site.
The new station includes:
•Pick-up/drop-off point and approximately 120-space station car park.
•Fully-accessible platforms with staircases and lifts.
•CCTV.
•Passenger information displays and public address system.
•Secure cycle parking.
•Modern waiting shelters.
Building work has already started at the Kirkstall Forge development, with the first building due for completion next year.
Kirkstall Forge from karl beadle on Vimeo.
Eventually, the 57-acre development will comprise over 1,000 new homes, 300,000 sq ft of offices, 100,000 sq ft of retail, leisure and community space and create around 2,400 new jobs.
Together with Apperley Bridge Rail Station, which opened in December 2015, Kirkstall Forge is part of West Yorkshire’s £15.9m Rail Growth Package.
Construction on the new Kirkstall Forge Station began in October 2014. The new station was built by West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA), in partnership with Network Rail, Northern Rail and Commercial Estates Group (CEG).
