PEOPLE are being asked to have their say on £30 million-plus plans to transform Halifax rail station.

It is one of the busiest in the region, but currently has few facilities and poor accessibility.

To ensure the station is fit for modern travel and to cope with expected future growth in passenger numbers, Calderdale Council, in partnership with Network Rail, has developed plans to improve the station building and surrounding area.

Plans for the West Yorkshire Combined Authority funded scheme include a new two-storey station building, with waiting lounges on both the ground and first floor level and improved toilet facilities.

Access to the station will also be improved with a modern footbridge providing step-free access to and from the town centre. An historic underpass beneath the station would also be reopened to improve access to the eastern side of the rail station.

Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, chairman of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s transport committee and leader of Bradford Council, said: “We are pleased to be working in partnership with Calderdale Council on this important scheme and I would encourage everyone to make the most of this opportunity to help shape the plans by taking part in the public consultation.”

Calderdale Council’s cabinet member for regeneration and strategy, Councillor Jane Scullion, said: “These ambitious plans will transform the rail station and provide a welcoming gateway to the town. Major improvements are planned to both the look and layout of the building and surrounding area, which will also bring wider benefits and support better connections across the region.

“The passenger experience is at the heart of our plans, with much-needed access improvements and upgraded waiting facilities. The proposals also complement wider regeneration plans for Halifax, creating a seamless route from town centre attractions to the station."

Tracy Brabin, mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “Making public transport work for people and tackling the climate emergency on our way to becoming a net zero carbon economy by 2038 are at the heart of my Mayoral pledges.

“Transforming Halifax Rail Station will not only help us do that, it will also connect more local people with jobs, education and training.

“A better and more inclusive transport network goes beyond getting people from A to B.  It is about getting all of us — our people, our communities, our businesses - to where we want to be as a region.”

The latest designs have been refined using feedback received as part of the previous consultation, which took place in January 2021. The latest plans can be viewed here, and there is also a survey for people to have their say.

The survey is open until January 16.