Revamp plans for Bradford Forster Square station delayed again to link up with tram system
Renovation plans at the station were first announced in 2017 - but have now been delayed again
A LONG awaited scheme to turn Bradford Forster Square station into a “welcome gateway” to the city has been paused to tie it in with plans for a new tram system.
Plans to improve the station by creating a new ticket office, toilets, shops and better lift access date back years – and had most recently been costed at around £17.3m.
When first announced in 2017, the proposed end date for the station refurbishment was estimated to be March 2021 – but there have been numerous delays that mean as 2025 comes to an end – work has not even started.
A new report that will be discussed by Councillors on Tuesday evening gives an update on the long delayed scheme.
Members of Bradford Council’s Regeneration and Environment Scrutiny Committee will be told the work will now likely tie in with the planned West Yorkshire Mass Transit System – which will see trams run between Bradford and Leeds.
The Highways and Transportation Performance Report 2024-25 says Forster Square is the “expected” terminus of the tram line – and this could re-shape the rail station plans.
The report gives updates on various transport schemes planned across Bradford, including planned improvements to bus routes on Manchester Road and the long delayed Bradford to Shipley Road Improvement Scheme.
On the Forster Square update – the report says: “The £17.32m Forster Square Station Gateway scheme, funded through the West Yorkshire Plus Transport Fund, aims to provide a modern, fit-for-purpose station facility that enhances the user experience upon arriving in Bradford city centre, creating an attractive and welcoming gateway.
“Proposed improvements include a dedicated ticket office/information centre with ticket vending machines, seating on the main concourse, and improved lift access from School Street.
“Project development has progressed through the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Assurance Framework, with a draft version of the revised Outline Business Case prepared.
“The outcome of strategic direction related to the Mass Transit terminus expected at Forster Square has meant the public consultation has been paused to avoid conflicting messages, and therefore the submission of the OBC has been delayed.
“Whilst a decision on strategy is awaited to proceed with OBC and FBC (Full Business Case) submissions, the project is to undertake advanced Technical Surveys at the station which will be used to inform the next design stage.”
Since the works were first proposed, a new Platform 0 has been built at Forster Square – increasing the number of direct trains to London from the Station.