First look at plans to build Thorpe Park railway station next to The Springs shopping centre in Leeds

Residents are being offered a first look at plans to build a new railway station next to a major shopping centre in east Leeds.

Thorpe Park Rail Station, which will create a new link between east Leeds and the city centre, will be built next to Thorpe Park Business Park, between Cross Gates and Garforth.

The brand new, accessible station has been designed to provide faster journeys for rail passengers, easier access to the offices, shops and restaurants in The Springs, and park and ride journeys for commuters and rail passengers.

Once completed, journey times to Leeds station will be between 10-12 minutes.

Councillor Peter Carlill, Executive Member for Transport and Planning on Leeds City Council said: “Thorpe Park Rail Station will be a major boost for east Leeds, providing faster journeys and better connections for residents, workers and visitors alike.

“The new station will improve access to the employment, retail and leisure opportunities at Thorpe Park and The Springs, while helping more people travel into Leeds city centre and across the wider region by rail. I encourage everyone to take a look at the proposals and have their say through the consultation.”

Thorpe Park will have two train platforms, enabling a minimum of two services per hour in each direction - Leeds to York and Leeds to Hull.

Plans also include a lift and footbridge for step-free access to the station, ticket machines, cycle parking, and a 300-space car park including Electric Vehicle (EV) charging points, disabled bays, and a drop-off and pick-up point.

The scheme will be delivered by Network Rail in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, in consultation with Leeds City Council.

It forms part of the West Yorkshire Mayor’s mission to deliver the Weaver Network - a seamless transport system that will connect trains, buses, a future mass transit system, walking, wheeling and cycling to unlock easier journeys across the region.

“Quick and reliable transport is essential for helping people, communities and businesses to thrive,” Mayor Tracy Brabin said.

“Our brand-new station will deliver faster commutes, boost our economy and reduce congestion on our roads. Our Weaver Network will help us build a better-connected West Yorkshire that works for all.”

The West Yorkshire Combined Authority has already delivered new stations at Low Moor, Kirkstall Forge and Apperley Bridge.

Overall, the Combined Authority has built or upgraded ten bus and rail stations - investing £111 million in improving journeys across the region.

The Thorpe Park station consultation comes just over two weeks after contractors resumed work on the troubled White Rose railway station project in south Leeds - more than two years after construction was initially halted.

Sat beside White Rose Business Park and within walking distance of the White Rose Shopping Centre, the highly-anticipated station had sat dormant and untouched since March 2024 after a series of on-site problems, and an “unforeseen increase in project costs.”

“This is a transformational opportunity for Thorpe Park, the city of Leeds, and the wider city region,” added Adam Varley, Development Director for Scarborough Group International.

“By creating a multi-modal transport hub at Thorpe Park, it will connect an established business community of 7,500 employees, a thriving retail and leisure destination, and a growing residential community with the city centre and beyond.”

A full business case for the scheme will be submitted later this year and discussed at a future Combined Authority meeting, with construction set to start in 2027.

The 300 car parking spaces at Thorpe Park Rail Station will enable park and ride journeys for more commuters, and aims to help alleviate pressure from nearby Garforth station car park, which is at capacity.

Residents and members of the public can have their say as part of the consultation, which is open from now until the end of Tuesday September 15.