Local communities are to be empowered with better transport connections through the delivery of a new station at Bradford Interchange.

Plans to provide the new station have been confirmed by the Government today, which has said that the move will boost economic growth, housebuilding, jobs, and opportunities in the North.

The move will strengthen Bradford’s connections with some of the biggest cities in the North, such as Leeds, Manchester, and York.

It will ensure access to more frequent trains, as well as increasing the reliability of services and improving journey times.

According to Bradford Council, up to £1bn could be unlocked for the economy through the delivery of both the station and the proposed West Yorkshire Mass Transit network.

It is also part of the Prime Minister’s aims to hand power back to local communities and Mayors when guiding transport decisions, with the location of the site having been chosen in partnership with the Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin.

In its statement, the Government said that the announcement ‘marks a major milestone in the delivery of Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) and the Government’s mission to drive growth in every postcode’.

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Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: ‘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.’

Chancellor of the Exchequer, John Healey, added: ‘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. That is how we build a stronger future for cities like Bradford, boost West Yorkshire, and deliver our plan for growth in every part of the country.’