Huge blow as all work stops at new £26m UK train station that should be finished by now

By Richard Ashmore, Senior News Reporter

Work has been halted on the multi-million-pound project (Image: The Spencer Group )

Work has stopped on a £26.5 million train station that was due to have been welcoming passengers in early 2024. The White Rose Rail Station, in Leeds, West Yorkshire, is supposed to be offering passengers a service on the main trans-pennine route to Manchester through Huddersfield.

But construction has stopped on the development because of a reported "unforeseen increase in project costs", according to the Yorkshire Post.

The publication published a joint statement issued on behalf of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Network Rail, developers Munroe K and principal contractors Spencer Group, which describes “a temporary pause”.

The statement added: “This decision comes in light of an unforeseen increase in project costs."

(File pic) Trains are not using the station which sits on the line between Leeds and Manchester (Image: PA)

Work on the station started in March 2022 and despite there being no resumption start date stated as yet, it's understood the hub will still be complete later this year.

Located near to the White Rose Office Park, the White Rose Shopping Centre and the bus interchange, the station is planned to provide access to a number of facilities.

LeedsLive reports the terminal will have two platforms to provide access to the area and will also include cycle storage and improved walking and cycling routes.

The new station was due to be completed in early 2024 (Image: Getty )

In October, Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “We’re determined to create a better-connected region where everyone has the same opportunity to get on in life.

"Investing in transport schemes that support economic growth, like the White Rose Rail Station, has a key role to play in that.

"This investment will bring new opportunities for people in nearby communities by boosting transport links, regeneration and jobs.”