Passengers across Yorkshire are set to benefit from major station improvements, as the government has today (20 October 2026) confirmed a new station at Bradford Interchange. This development is a key step for Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR), aiming to bring more reliable services, better connections, and faster journeys.
The new station will significantly enhance Bradford's connections with major northern cities such as Leeds, Manchester, and York. It is expected to unlock the potential for regenerating Bradford’s Southern Gateway, supporting thousands of new homes and jobs, and generating over £1 billion in economic benefits, in conjunction with the proposed West Yorkshire Mass Transit network.
This announcement is a major milestone for NPR and the government's mission to drive growth nationwide. The station will also be integrated into Great British Railways (GBR), the new publicly owned railway entity. The decision was made in collaboration with the Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, reflecting a drive to empower local leaders.
Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, stated, "Today marks an important milestone for Bradford with a brand-new station that will transform how people travel across the North. By bringing Northern Powerhouse Rail into the heart of the city, we are unlocking the huge potential Bradford offers – improving connections, supporting economic growth and setting the foundations for new homes, jobs and opportunities across the region."
The new GBR station, scheduled for delivery in the 2030s, will replace the existing 1970s station. It forms a key part of the government’s Northern Growth Strategy, aiming to improve journey times and reliability across the region.
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, commented, "Today is an exciting and important milestone for Bradford, with an ironclad commitment to a new station in the city centre. Bradford has so much untapped potential, and faster, more frequent trains to Leeds and Manchester, and the transformation of the city centre through Bradford City Village, will help to finally unleash it."
Henri Murison MBE, Chief Executive of Northern Powerhouse Partnership, added, "The decision to build Bradford’s new station at the interchange in the city centre is a long-term commitment to the city and the wider North. By unlocking the regeneration of the Southern Gateway, we will see homes and jobs for this city which otherwise would not be built or come here."
Chancellor of the Exchequer, John Healey, remarked, "This government is doing things differently. We are backing local leaders and investing in the infrastructure that people need. This is how we create good jobs where people live and growth that supports a high street you can be proud of."
