PLANS to improve the Bradford Interchange as a gateway to the city centre have taken a step forward.

The proposals, which would see new frontage, better pedestrian access and improved facilities, as well as improved connections between buses, taxis, trains, coaches and cars, were discussed by West Yorkshire Combined Authority's (WYCA) Investment Committee yesterday.

It agreed to £100,000 development costs for the scheme's first phase, which is expected to cost £5.65m overall.

Work could start in September 2019.

Councillor Peter Box, West Yorkshire Combined Authority Investment Committee Chair, said: “This scheme would transform the Interchange providing the impressive welcome that a growing city like Bradford merits as well as a customer experience fitting for a station the size of the Interchange.

“It will also create better, integrated links with Bradford city centre.”

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, Transport and Planning, added: “This investment in Bradford Interchange as well as the investment at Forster Square Railway Station will greatly improve these important gateways to our city centre for visitors and commuters alike.”

Built in the 1970s, Bradford Interchange combines the city’s rail and bus stations, has bus and rail travel centres, car parks, a taxi rank and retail premises.

But the WYCA says it does not encourage interchange between different modes of transport at the site.

To this end, the committee backed half-a-million pounds worth of feasibility work for a second phase, which could see improvements to the layout and facilities of the Bradford Interchange.

This investigative work would identify a preferred programme for the scheme.

Consultation will take place with people who use the Interchange, including passengers, travel operators, taxi firms as well as businesses on and surrounding the site.

Councillor Box added: “As well as significantly improving the way that passengers can use the building and move from one transport mode to another, this longer-term, second stage of development would pave the way for improved Calder Valley rail services and a central Bradford stop on the planned Northern Powerhouse Rail or HS3 route.”

An announcement on the Northern Powerhouse Rail route is expected later this month.

According to leaked documents, a new fast train line between Manchester and Leeds, via Bradford, will form the “centrepiece” of plans.