Plans finally submitted for multi-million pound station repairs
Keighley Rail Station (Image: Network Rail)
A MULTI-million-pound scheme to repair Keighley’s crumbling rail station could finally be moving ahead soon, years after it was first proposed.
Network Rail first announced the works in 2019, and had more recently said £9m of funding for the work was ringfenced.
After years of no movement, and criticism from local MP Robbie Moore over the lack of news,[1] Network Rail assured Keighley[2] residents earlier this year that it “remained committed” to the work.
Now a planning application for the full refurbishment of the Grade II listed Victorian station has been submitted to Bradford[3] Council.
It says the long-delayed work will “allow the station to operate safely, without the risk of falling debris.”
Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Keighley Rail Station
Keighley Rail Station (Image: google)
Work will include repairs and a refurbishment to the bridge over the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway line, work to strengthen the footbridges over the lines, including the replacement of rotten timbers, and a full repair and refurbishment of the main station buildings.
Built in the 1880s, the station, on Bradford Road, has two functions. It is the town’s commuter station on the Airedale Line, and also the terminus of the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway – a heritage line that runs through Haworth to Oxenhope and is one of the district’s most popular tourist attractions.
The plans say that after over 140 years of operation, parts of the station are showing their age.
Bradford Telegraph and Argus: The bridge over the Keighley Worth Valley Rail line
The bridge over the Keighley Worth Valley Rail line (Image: Network Rail)
On the bridge over Keighley & Worth Valley line, the application says: “There are some very poor areas, with evidence of significant corrosion.”
Work to repair this would extend the lifespan of the bridge by at least another 30 years.
After timber experts assessed the station buildings, they found that significant amounts of wood had suffered rot, and would need to be replaced.
The application says: “Care will be taken to ensure that historic fabric is only replaced where necessary, and where repairs are not feasible – for example, for replacement timbers where water ingress has caused significant areas of rot.
Bradford Telegraph and Argus: One of the platforms at Keighley Rail Station
One of the platforms at Keighley Rail Station (Image: Network Rail)
“Improvements to station roof drainage will prevent future instances of water ingress and reduce frequencies of intervention in the future.”
It says the use of replica Georgian glazing will “increase longevity and improve aesthetics at the station.
“The works are necessary to ensure the railway can operate safely, without the risk of falling debris from loose masonry, timber or glazing.
“In our opinion the proposals would enhance the historic appearance of the station by carrying out much needed refurbishment and maintenance work.”
A decision on the application is expected next month.