Elland Access Package

On this page

• Plans
• Benefits
• Overview
• Progress

Plans

The access package will improve walking and cycling access to the new Elland Rail Station. The proposals include:

• two new pedestrian and cycle bridges crossing the River Calder and Calder Hebble Navigation,
• improvements to existing pedestrian routes
• improvements to the cycle network, and
• enhancements for public spaces.

Benefits

Economic growth

The access package will complement the new station. Together they will improve access to jobs, education and opportunities. Elland will be more attractive to new businesses and the new links will support existing local businesses. The improved transport network will support future housing growth for Elland and western parts of Brighouse.

Improved landscape

We will make improvements to the public realm and environment on routes to and from the station.

Accessibility

The new station and access package will have a positive effect on journeys between the station, Elland town centre and surrounding areas.

Journey times

Shorter journey times and better connectivity between Elland, and destinations in the region and beyond.

Sustainability

Easy walking and cycle access to the station will support more people to choose sustainable travel options.

Overview

Connecting to the town centre

New routes will connect the north of Elland town centre, and the area around Morrisons supermarket to the new rail station. Lighting and landscaping will open up routes to the new station under the Calderdale Way.

Two bridges 

Two new bridges for walking and cycling will connect Elland and the rail station to Exley and beyond.

West Vale

Upgrades to walking and cycling routes will help to connect West Vale and Greetland to the new rail station and Elland.

Progress

13 March 2026

West Yorkshire leaders have given the go-ahead for the first phase of the Elland Rail Station project. The Elland Access Package will see improved cycling and walking infrastructure built in Elland to support the future new rail station.

Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin and the region's five council leaders approved West Yorkshire's investment pipeline at a meeting of the Combined Authority on 12 March, injecting millions of pounds into projects for Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds, and Wakefield.

The new station will be added to the Calder Valley line and will improve the town’s transport links with the wider region and beyond, including Leeds, Huddersfield, Bradford and Manchester.

Phase one of the scheme – the access package – will provide high quality walking and cycling improvements, making it easier and safer to get to the station and move around Elland itself.

4 March 2026

Major milestone for Elland Rail Station project. Key walking and cycling upgrades are set for approval.

West Yorkshire leaders are set to give the go-ahead for the first phase of a project which will see a new rail station and improved cycling and walking infrastructure built in Elland.

24 February 2026

We are removing some trees and vegetation ahead of nesting season at Riverside Park and along the Calder and Hebble Navigation near Woodside Mills Lock and Elland Bridge.

The project complies with relevant Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) requirements. We will improve biodiversity through a combination of habitat creation and enhancement, tree planting, and the removal of invasive non-native species such as Himalayan Balsam from the riverbanks.

6 January 2026

Plans to make it easier and safer to walk, wheel and cycle in Elland are set to move a step closer, and will be discussed at Calderdale Council’s Cabinet meeting on Monday, 12 January 2026.

18 August 2025

Find out more about the plans for Elland Rail Station and Elland Access Package at a drop-in event on Saturday 30 August 2025, between 9.30am and 3.30pm at Elland Community Hub.

4 July 2025

Design

We are working on the full business case for the project. We aim to submit the full business case to the West Yorkshire Combined Authority for appraisal later this year. Once the West Yorkshire Combined Authority approve the full business case, we can begin to deliver the project.

The full business case covers this project and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority-led Elland Rail Station project. The business case will provide a comprehensive and detailed justification for the projects, and ensure they are fit for purpose, align with policies, and offer value for money. 

Delivery

We're gearing up to start construction in Elland once the business case has been appraised and approved. Moving bridge structures, cranes, and lifts into place requires careful planning. We have been working with key stakeholders to make sure we can get everything where it needs to be. Subject to approval of the project’s full business case, it is hoped works can commence in the spring of 2026, with construction completion by the end of 2027.

Planning approval

We are working on discharging the planning conditions. This is one step that will allow construction to start without delay once final approvals are received. 

Land

We are assembling the remaining land packages needed for the project. A public inquiry, part of the Compulsory Purchase Order process, was due to be held on 24 June 2025. The inquiry was cancelled after the withdrawal of the remaining objections.

3 June 2025

Notice is given for the Elland Access Package Public Inquiry 2025. Further details and supporting documents can be found online.

27 January 2025

Esh Construction has been appointed to complete the detailed designs for the Elland Access Package.

18 November 2024

Calderdale Council approved a planning application for the Elland Rail Station Access Package project on 7 November 2024. 

The deadline for the recent invitation to tender has now passed. We are assessing bids with a view to appointing a contractor to complete the final stage of designs for the project.

17 September 2024

The invitation to tender for the final stage of design of the Elland access package project has been published. This is the last stage of design before construction can start. The deadline for contractors to submit tenders is 11 November 2024.