A campaign to revive an ambitious proposal to built a cross-city rail link in Bradford has been officially launched.

A document called “A Case for Cross Rail” has been posted to Bradford councillors, rail associations, rail companies and rail groups seeking support for the scheme between Forster Square station and Bradford Interchange.

Already on board are Bradford South Labour MP Gerry Sutcliffe and Shipley Tory MP Phil Davies.

The report’s authors are Bradford Tory councillor John Pennington and Andrew Mason, managing director of Newmason Properties. Both recently attempted to seek new supporters at a recent Bradford Regeneration Summit, focusing on transport and connectivity.

The original proposal was shelved in 1989 following a review which concluded it was unlikely to generate enough passengers, would be visually intrusive and would be too expensive to run.

Now Coun Pennington (Bingley) and Mr Mason have produced what they describe as “Plan B”. They are calling for cross-party support for a new Bradford Central station. Coun Pennington said: “To me this project is a no-brainer. Providing this link would be a huge benefit to Bradford and this region. One Bradford Central station will provide a new 24-hour gateway to the city centre and join a district divided into two halves.”

Mr Sutcliffe said: “I think this is well worth taking a look at. It has the potential to open up the whole of West Yorkshire, not just Bradford. It will costs a lot but if the economic argument can be made and it’s feasible I’m prepared to argue for it.”

Mr Davies said: “Bradford needs a cross-link to stimulate investment. Communication links are a key factor for businesses.”

Bradford Council regeneration chief Barra Mac Ruairi told the Regeneration Summit in Keighley that pursuing a cross-rail link now could jeopardise projects already in the pipeline, such as the City Park and Westfield’s Broadway shopping centre.

It would cost in the region of £140million compared to the £30million estimated for the 1989 shelved project.

He said council officers had investigated the plan and concluded it was feasible but expensive and the transport and economic benefits would be small.