Leeds ready for £26m station as building ‘halted’ attributable to prices | UK | News | EUROtoday

A city desperately ready for a brand new £26.5m station has seen building ‘halted’ attributable to excessive prices.

The White Rose Railway Station undertaking in Leeds, West Yorkshire, was began in March 2022 and was attributable to open for passengers earlier this 12 months. It was aiming to enhance entry to a close-by retail park, procuring centre and industrial property.

Delays had pushed the opening again to the top of the 12 months earlier than staff downed instruments final week following an all-out halt on building to “review funding options”.

The West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Network Rail, builders Munroe Ok and principal contractors Spencer Group issued an announcement to Yorkshire Post describing “a temporary pause” in building.

It stated: “This decision comes in light of an unforeseen increase in project costs, prompting a thorough evaluation of future funding sources to ensure the project’s successful completion.”

Private funding for the station comes from Munroe K, which owns the adjacent White Rose Park business park.

Public sector investment came from Government grant-funded Leeds City Region Transforming Cities Fund, Leeds Public Transport Investment Programme, and the Department for Transport’s New Stations Fund.

David Aspin, CEO and owner of Munroe K, said that though he “understands the disappointment”, the delay is “a pause to recalibrate” however there was no indication of how lengthy this will final.

The stakeholders say they “remain committed to finding a speedy solution to the present difficulties encountered and continue the progression of this critical infrastructure project”.

The assertion stated that the White Rose Railway Station won’t be only a transport hub however is “envisioned as a catalyst for regeneration, promising to unlock new education and employment opportunities, foster economic growth, and enhance connectivity” inside South Leeds and past.

“Recognising the importance of this project to the local community and economy, all parties involved have agreed that taking the time to reassess financial strategies is a prudent step forward.

“This pause will allow for a comprehensive review of funding options to ensure the project is delivered on the most sustainable and cost-effective basis possible.

“The project team is dedicated to minimising any delays, with the goal of resuming construction as swiftly as feasible.”