A town desperately waiting for a new £26.5m station has seen construction ‘halted’ due to high costs.
The White Rose Railway Station project in Leeds, West Yorkshire, was started in March 2022 and was due to open for passengers earlier this year. It was aiming to improve access to a nearby retail park, shopping centre and industrial estate.
Delays had pushed the opening back to the end of the year before workers downed tools last week following an all-out halt on construction to “review funding options”.
The West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Network Rail, developers Munroe K and principal contractors Spencer Group issued a statement to Yorkshire Post describing “a temporary pause” in construction.
It said: “This decision comes in light of an unforeseen increase in project costs, prompting a thorough evaluation of future funding sources to ensure the project’s successful completion.”
Private funding for the station comes from Munroe K, which owns the adjacent White Rose Park business park.
Public sector investment came from Government grant-funded Leeds City Region Transforming Cities Fund, Leeds Public Transport Investment Programme, and the Department for Transport’s New Stations Fund.
David Aspin, CEO and owner of Munroe K, said that though he “understands the disappointment”, the delay is “a pause to recalibrate” but there has been no indication of how long this may last.
The stakeholders say they “remain committed to finding a speedy solution to the present difficulties encountered and continue the progression of this critical infrastructure project”.
The statement said that the White Rose Railway Station will not be just a transport hub but is “envisioned as a catalyst for regeneration, promising to unlock new education and employment opportunities, foster economic growth, and enhance connectivity” within South Leeds and beyond.
“Recognising the importance of this project to the local community and economy, all parties involved have agreed that taking the time to reassess financial strategies is a prudent step forward.
“This pause will allow for a comprehensive review of funding options to ensure the project is delivered on the most sustainable and cost-effective basis possible.
“The project team is dedicated to minimising any delays, with the goal of resuming construction as swiftly as feasible.”
