Leeds Station and Thorpe Park Rail Investment

Tracy Brabin signs the first memorandum of understanding between a combined authority and rail operators, covering Leeds station transformation, a new Thorpe Park station, and service improvements ahead of Great British Railways

West Yorkshire Combined Authority has signed a memorandum of understanding with Network Rail, Northern, TransPennine Express, and LNER, the first agreement of its kind between a combined authority and rail operators in England. The WYCA rail MOU sets out a programme of work to be delivered by the end of 2028, covering station improvements, service enhancements, accessibility upgrades, and integration of rail into the wider Weaver transport network. For Leeds, the agreement specifically includes the transformation of Leeds station and progress toward a new rail station at Thorpe Park. Tracy Brabin said the agreement means the region will have a genuine say in how rail services are run, not just for passengers but for the businesses and communities that depend on reliable connections.

Why This Matters For Leeds

The White Rose Rail Board is the long-term strategic investment; £45 billion for NPR and four fast trains to Sheffield. This WYCA rail MOU is the operational mechanism to improve services now. For Leeds businesses, station transformation is critical: Leeds station is the gateway to the South Bank, Aire Park, and the MDZ. A new Thorpe Park station benefits the 7,500 workers, 100 businesses, and the incoming college and Integral development.

What the WYCA Rail Agreement Covers

The MOU establishes a formal partnership ahead of the creation of Great British Railways. It commits all parties to work together on improving passenger services, station facilities, and accessibility across West Yorkshire. New stations at Elland and Thorpe Park are included in the programme, alongside improvements to existing stations. The agreement also covers integration of rail into the Weaver Network, West Yorkshire’s franchised bus system, creating a joined up public transport offer. Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy said the agreement will help ensure better services from Leeds station to Northern Powerhouse Rail and the TransPennine Route Upgrade. Tracy Brabin described it as a landmark moment, giving the region a seat at the table in how rail services are planned and delivered.

“This agreement means we will have a genuine say in how rail services are run – not just for passengers but for the businesses and communities that depend on reliable connections every single day.”

— Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire

Why Leeds Station and Thorpe Park Matter

Leeds station handles 24.9 million passengers annually and is described in the Yorkshire Plan for Rail as having the worst delay performance of any major station in the UK. The WYCA rail agreement’s commitment to station transformation addresses the capacity and passenger experience constraints that affect every business in the city centre. At Thorpe Park, a new rail station would transform connectivity for one of East Leeds’ largest employment sites. Leeds Today has covered four major developments at Thorpe Park in recent weeks: SGI’s HiVE Places health innovation platform, the 596,500 sq ft Integral industrial approval, the 1,000-place sixth form college, and Assured Data Protection’s new headquarters. A rail station connecting Thorpe Park to the city centre and the wider network adds the transport infrastructure that ties those investments together.