The next steps towards realising the vision of transforming Ilkley’s rail and bus station into one of the best Transport Hubs in the country have been announced.
The Ilkley Rail & Bus Board, which comprises Friends of Ilkley Railway Station (FOIRS), Network Rail, Northern Rail, West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA), Bradford Council, Ilkley Business Improvement District (BID), Robbie Moore MP, Climate Action Ilkley, Ilkley Civic Society and Ilkley Town Council, will be working with award-winning architects and urban design specialists, Landolt and Brown, to conduct an in-depth feasibility study and framework master plan for the Ilkley Transport Hub.
The financial support for this study and design proposal has been made possible thanks to a substantial grant secured by Sarah Brookfield-Almond, Ilkley BID Manager, from the Strategic Priority Fund which is funded through the government’s National Productivity Investment Fund.
The vision of the Ilkley Rail & Bus Board is to create the best Town Transport Hub in the UK for Ilkley, focusing on enhancing passenger experience by improved facilities, encouraging greater accessibility, connecting communities through better services and transport links and minimising environmental impact by the introduction of more green spaces.
Following the results of a public consultation last year, the study will explore improvements to the station, including better facilities for buses and coaches, provisions for electric cars and bikes, new public toilets, a new tourist information centre and a community pop up unit for art exhibitions, stalls and educational ventures.
Ilkley’s railway station was opened in 1865 as the Otley and Ilkley Joint Railway Western Terminus and today it welcomes over 1.1 million passengers annually (April 2022 – March 2023 figures). The design proposal led by Landolt and Brown, which specialises in transport-related and complex urban settings, will ensure that the heritage of the station will be preserved and enriched whilst balancing the needs and 21st century requirements of the consumers who use it.
The study will include the preparation of diagram plans and 3D models to consider options for layout and facilities, as well as detailed strategies for the delivery, maintenance and management of the project.
Stephen Thornton, Chair of the FOIRS group, said:
“We’re very excited that, thanks to the funding acquired by Ilkley BID and the contribution towards the project already pledged by Ilkley Town Council, we are now in the position to progress with the feasibility study and designs for our Ilkley Transport Hub. This year marks the 160th anniversary of Ilkley Station, so is a perfect time to celebrate its history and heritage, whilst looking at how we invest in a solution fit for the future.
“We have been working extremely hard with all our key stakeholders over the past 2 years to get to this point and we’re a huge step forward in realising our vision for Ilkley. Our rail station is such a wonderful asset for the town, providing as it does a vital connection for those living in and visiting Ilkley, and we are grateful to everyone who took the time to share their views about the project and for their support.
“The study will be completed by the end of March 2025 and we look forward to sharing the resulting report and subsequent next steps shortly thereafter.”
Sarah Brookfield-Almond, Ilkley BID Manager, said:
“The new Transport Hub will be Ilkley’s shop window and will create that all-important warm and welcoming first impression for visitors as well as instilling a sense of pride and community for residents.
“One of the BID’s main missions is to drive footfall into the town to support our amazing local businesses and we strongly believe that having one of the best rail and bus stations in the country will do exactly that.
“On behalf of Ilkley BID, I am absolutely delighted to have secured the funding necessary to take the next step on this important journey to fulfill the needs of the community as outlined in last year’s consultation study and to put Ilkley on the transport map.”
Any questions about this project should be directed to FOIRS via email at: friendsofilkleyrs@gmail.com.
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