Improved route to Mirfield station revealed at official opening
It has been delivered between the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU), Kirklees Council and Canal & River Trust
A newly resurfaced canal towpath and upgraded footpath around Mirfield’s memorial garden has been officially opened – offering the local community a greener, safer and more accessible route to the station.
This marks the fourth completed ‘First and Last Mile’ project delivered by the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU), Kirklees Council and Canal & River Trust, as part of a wider initiative to improve active travel connections to and from railway stations along the Transpennine Route
The project has delivered several enhancements for the local community and canal users including 1.2km of upgraded towpath between Station Road, Mirfield and Shepley Marina to provide a robust, all-weather surface suitable for both walkers and wheelers. Historic features like cobbled areas have been restored and the flower garden enhanced.
On top of this, a new route from Mirfield Station has been constructed through the park which includes new steps to replace a previously muddy slope. There are additional paths within the park and an improved exit onto Parkfield Crescent complete with handrails. The play area has also been upgraded.
Kirklees Council says that together, these enhancements create a safer, more enjoyable walking route for passengers travelling to and from Mirfield station, which is currently being transformed as part of the TRU. Once complete, customers will benefit from a fully accessible footbridge with lifts, longer platforms that can accommodate longer trains and upgraded customer facilities.
Councillor Moses Crook, Deputy Leader of Kirklees Council and Cabinet Member for Housing and Transport, said: “It is great to see this project come to fruition, and for councillors to get an early taster of how residents can enjoy and benefit from the improvements.
“Access between the park and canal towpath has been greatly improved, and alongside the revitalised paths this offers residents a safe, green and welcoming route to Mirfield Station. Thanks to the multi-billion-pound Transpennine Route Upgrade, it won’t be long until travellers can use this new route to catch faster, greener, and more frequent trains.
“We are also celebrating the new play park in Mirfield Memorial Ground, which the council has updated alongside the footpath works as part of the Playable Spaces Programme.”
Kim Leadbeater MP for Spen Valley, who officially opened the new route as part of a ribbon-cutting ceremony said: ”It’s fantastic to see this investment making a real difference to the local community that live in Mirfield. These improvements not only help people make greener travel choices but also enhance the local space and make the area more accessible for everyone.”
The opening event began at Mirfield Station, followed by a short walk along the upgraded towpath to the memorial garden, where a local community group and residents enjoyed refreshments and heard from local partners involved in delivering the project.
Sean McGinley, Regional Director for Canal & River Trust, said: “These towpath improvements have made a real difference for the community, giving more people the opportunity to enjoy their local canal. As a charity caring for 2,000 miles of canals and rivers, we’re incredibly grateful to work in partnership on projects like this to improve our waterside routes and protect our 200-year-old canal network.”
Rachel Blake, Sponsor for Transpennine Route Upgrade said: “This is a brilliant example of how we’re working in partnership to deliver more than just a railway upgrade. By supporting local authorities and community partners, TRU is helping to create lasting benefits for people living near the route.”