Kirklees Council has been awarded £48m by the government to improve local stations and make train travel more convenient and comfortable along the Penistone Line route.
This recent announcement follows the initial Levelling Up bid which was made to the government in 2022 when Kirklees Council, 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.
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.”
