Full steam ahead as £48 million secured for major rail improvements along the Penistone Rail Line
We have been awarded £48 million by the government to improve local stations and make train travel more convenient and comfortable for passengers along the popular Penistone Line route.
This recent announcement follows the initial Levelling Up bid which was made to the government in 2022 when we, along with partners – including neighbouring councils in Barnsley and Sheffield, local MP’s and both the West and South Yorkshire Combined Authorities made the proposals to overhaul the line between Huddersfield, Barnsley and Sheffield.
Planned improvements
The project will include improvements to Kirklees rail services and stations along the historic route including Lockwood, Berry Brow, Honley, Brockholes, Shepley, Stocksmoor and Denby Dale.
Priorities along the route include improving accessibility and waiting facilities, upgrading rail infrastructure – including moving towards a larger scheme that would improve journey times and increase the service from hourly to half-hourly.
Councillor Moses Crook, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Transport and Housing said:
“We are thrilled that Kirklees Council has been awarded this vital funding to improve our rail network – and now the green light to begin making progress towards delivery. This is more than just investment in our railways – it’s an investment in our communities and will make a real difference to residents living along the Penistone Line route and across Kirklees.
“The improvements will bring more reliable trains with better journey times between Huddersfield and Sheffield and will help to boost our local economy, support growth in Kirklees and improve connectively across the north.
“The Penistone Line is a crucial transport link, and it’s all part of our plans to make the Kirklees economy stronger, more regionally integrated and greener for future generations. These upgrades will open greater opportunities in education, employment, skills and health and wellbeing for residents across Kirklees.”
Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said:
“I’m delighted that we’ve been able to secure this funding to upgrade the Penistone Line and deliver better journeys for passengers.
“Communities are being held back by slow trains, limited services and poor infrastructure, which is why this was part of our Plan for Rail developed with Lord Blunkett and my fellow Yorkshire Mayors.
“We will now continue to push for further investment to improve the rail network, across Yorkshire and the north of England, to boost growth and create a better-connected region that works for all.”
South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, said:
“Through the Yorkshire Plan for Rail we have shown that connecting communities across Yorkshire and the North creates huge benefits; connecting people to opportunity, creating huge amounts of growth, giving everyone the opportunity to stay near and go far.
“So I’m really pleased the Government have now confirmed this package of financial support for the Penistone Line upgrade is still available. We’re committed to working with the Government and our partners across South and West Yorkshire to deliver this upgrade to the Line, but to also tackle the broader transport challenges which have held us back for far too long.”
Improving Kirklees transport network
It’s an exciting time for Kirklees as the transport network benefits from major investment as part of the council’s wider vision to create better connected, healthy, vibrant towns and villages as well as Networks Rail’s multi-billion-pound Trans Pennine Route Upgrade, which is currently underway.