Forster Square Station refurbishment is delayed yet again

Work to make the station a “more attractive and welcoming gateway” to Bradford was first revealed in 2017.

It would include a new ticket office and information centre, more seating on the main concourse and better lift access from School Street.

Victorian Archways behind the platforms would be used to house public toilets, shops and cafes.

Late last year it was announced that after delays the work – then costed at over £17m - was finally expected to start in early 2023.

But a new report by Bradford Council has now revealed that the work will now not start until Autumn 2023 at the earliest.

And the plans are likely to be re-drawn to include measures to tackle climate change – and reflect Bradford’s history and culture.

It could also include a “community rail initiative” – where local groups are encouraged to become “friends of” the station.

Bradford Forster Square station (Image: newsquest)

When first announced in 2017, the proposed end date for the station refurbishment was estimated to be March 2021.

In early 2019 it was revealed that the completion date had been pushed back to December 2021 due to “insufficient expertise” within the Council to draw up an “invitation to tender” - a document that would encourage constructions companies to apply to carry out the work.

Last year, the Council said the impact of the Covid Pandemic had further delayed the project until early 2023.

And a report on Bradford transport projects that went before a recent meeting of the Council’s Regeneration and Environment Scrutiny Committee revealed a further delay.

It said: “Morgan Sindall Construction were appointed in May to design and build a new station with a café, toilets and accompanying passenger facilities.

“Early design concepts are to be available in Autumn 2023.

“Recent Council policy initiatives are being factored into this refresh, including mitigating the climate emergency, Bradford City of Culture, with an underlying theme towards Bradford’s history, culture, education and the environment.

“A community rail initiative is being worked up to involve local charity groups, local schools and Bradford Museums & Gallery Service.”

When the Telegraph & Argus asked about the delays, a Bradford Council spokesperson said: “We are currently in the development phase with our consultants and work should start in Autumn 2023.

“We are looking to begin the stakeholder/public engagement process towards the end of this year. “The Community Rail Initiative is still at a very early stage but we really want to engage with the community as much as we can to bring about some real benefits.”