Mirfield station transformation for faster, more connected travel across the North
Customers in Mirfield will now benefit from a transformed station which includes new step-free access, longer platforms and improved facilities, marking the latest milestone in the £11 billion Transpennine Route Upgrade.
This work will also enable longer trains with more seats to stop at the station and faster, more reliable journeys in the future, delivering better connections to communities across West Yorkshire and beyond.
Kim Leadbeater, MP for Spen Valley, today cut the ribbon on the upgraded station, which features a new footbridge and lifts for the first time in the station’s history, extended platforms to accommodate longer trains, and modern customer facilities including new waiting shelters, information screens and improved lighting.
The platform remodelling will also enable wider TRU plans for the installation of two new fast lines through this stretch of railway, which will allow direct services to overtake stopping ones and reduce journey times, while boosting capacity and reliability of services. These enhancements will strengthen regional connectivity and support economic growth across the North.
Joining the MP today was award-winning disability rights advocate, Zach Eagling, alongside Councillor Carole Pattison, Leader of Kirklees Council; Eric Firth, Deputy Lead for WYCA Transport Committee; David Wildman, Service Director at Kirklees Council, while a number of other local councillors and the Friends of Mirfield Railway Station group were also in attendance.
Kim Leadbeater, MP for Spen Valley, said:
“The reopening of Mirfield station is a huge step forward for rail travel in the Spen Valley area. Faster, more frequent services to and from Mirfield means there will be real benefits for the town, and the improved connectivity to places like Manchester, Leeds and York will help unlock the potential of Kirklees.
“I’m really glad I could be here today to see first-hand the progress being made on TRU, and look forward to seeing their upgrades coming to life elsewhere.”
Mirfield upgrade complete
Cllr Carole Pattison, Leader of Kirklees Council, said:
“The Transpennine Route Upgrade is a big part of the major investment being made across Kirklees at the moment.
“If we can keep delivering improvements like these along with the host of other projects that are underway, our economy and our infrastructure has a bright future.”
James Richardson, TRU Managing Director, said:
“The transformation of Mirfield station is another key step for the Transpennine Route Upgrade, it demonstrates the pace of the improvements and how major benefits are already being delivered for communities across the North.
“Better connectivity for all between our towns and cities is a real enabler for growth across the entire region, and across Team TRU we’re proud to once again showcase our capability, while being on time and on budget.”
New Mirfield station
Kerry Peters, Director of Stations for Northern, said:
“It is fantastic to see the work that has been completed as part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade for our customers at Mirfield, which will deliver long term benefits to all that use the station.
“This investment will really make a difference to the everyday journeys of those who use the station. With the installation of the new footbridge and lifts, not only do we see the benefits of step free access, but improved access from platforms to the car park, creating a more seamless journey for our customers.”
Work at Mirfield continues as the programme implements four-tracking along this stretch of railway, so that direct services can overtake stopping services. While this is undertaken, the existing platform 3 will remain in use. Alongside Mirfield, significant progress is also being made at both Batley and Dewsbury station, which are set to be completed later this year.
Away from the tracks, TRU continue to leave a lasting impact on the Spen Valley constituency. Since the programme got underway, employees have completed over 460 hours of volunteering, and have engaged over 3000 young people through school activities. The programme has supported three TRU work experience placements and one apprentice from Spen Valley, too.
TRU has invested £3m into its First and Last Mile programme which has also made a huge impact in the community, making it easier and safer for people to reach the station from home, work, local bus routes, the canal, and the surrounding area. Together, these improvements deliver:
- Better walking & cycling connectivity
- Higher-quality public realm
- Full step‑free access through to the station
- Safer, clearer and more inclusive navigation
- A greener, more enjoyable end‑to‑end journey