Two services per hour at Kirkstall Forge from 20 May 2018
Enhancements to the Northern timetable sees half hourly weekday services at Kirkstall Forge in both directions
From 20 May 2018, timetables will change on the Northern network. One of the service enhancements will see a half hourly weekday services from Kirkstall Forge station in both directions; heading to Leeds and to Bradford Forster Square.
Kirkstall Forge station opened in June 2016, and welcomed over 94,000 customers in the 2016/17 period. The station has on-site parking for 120 cars, allowing commuters living in the surrounding areas easy access to Leeds (6 minute journey) and Bradford (15 minute journey).
The increased service from 20 May will be a great asset a line which continues to grow in popularity. However, Kirkstall Forge is not just a commuter hub, it is a destination in its own right, with a growing business population next door to the station. Number One Kirkstall Forge, the building developed by CEG hosts office space and a stylish on site restaurant, Butlers, which is also open to the public.
Emma Clarkson, CEG’s Estate Manager of Kirkstall Forge, said:
“Kirkstall Forge is one of the most significant regeneration projects underway in the north of England. The new half hourly rail service, connecting the site to Leeds in just six minutes, is welcome news for those who work in Number One Kirkstall Forge as well as the wider community which commutes to Leeds, Bradford and the Dales from the site.”
“Ultimately, the businesses looking to locate at Kirkstall Forge demand urban levels of transport connectivity, alongside the award-winning digital communications this exceptionally high quality development offers, and this is a great step towards achieving that.”
Northern worked with CEG, local MPs Rachel Reeves and Stuart Andrew, along with the Leeds Chamber Of Commerce to identify the need for an increased train service to Kirkstall Forge. Paul Barnfield, Regional Director at Northern said:
“It’s been a real team effort to bring a more frequent service to Kirkstall Forge. The station opened in 2016 and has been a phenomenal success, we have monitored passenger numbers and listened to feedback from customers, MPs and the local businesses. We’re delighted to be able to offer two trains per hour, on weekdays, from 20 May.
Not only will these services help those travelling to Leeds and Bradford, for work and leisure trips, it will also help with the further development of the Kirkstall Forge site as a whole.”
For more information, please contact Lyndsay McCartney, Marketing and Communications Coordinator (Northern): Lyndsay.McCartney@northernrailway.co.uk 07393 797609
Picture (left – right)
Paul Barnfield, Regional Director at Northern
Rachel Reeves, MP, Labour Leeds West
Emma Clarkson, CEG’s Estate Manager of Kirkstall Forge
ENDS