A proposed £14bn overhaul of Yorkshire’s ageing rail network aims to transform transport infrastructure across the region and unlock billions in economic value for businesses and local authorities.
The investment plan, developed by former home secretary Lord Blunkett and endorsed by the mayors of West, South, and North Yorkshire, calls for expanded station capacity at Leeds, Sheffield, and York, the creation of a new mainline station in Rotherham, and a through-station in Bradford to improve cross-regional connectivity. The proposal also includes full electrification of the Leeds–Sheffield line and increased service frequency to areas such as Scarborough, the Esk Valley, and Wakefield’s Five Towns.
The program’s first phase would require £2.4bn in government funding by 2030. An additional £2.5bn is earmarked for new and renewed tram infrastructure across West and South Yorkshire.
The review estimates the investment could add £20bn to the region’s economy over the next decade, create approximately 83,000 new jobs, and support the development of over 200,000 new homes—factors that could benefit businesses through improved workforce mobility, logistics, and growth opportunities.
This coordinated push by the region’s Labour mayors comes ahead of the Treasury’s upcoming infrastructure spending review. Instead of competing for funds individually, the mayors promote a unified regional case under the “White Rose” banner to attract central government backing.
The Department for Transport confirmed reviewing the proposals and reiterated its commitment to northern transport investment. Ongoing projects include the Transpennine Route Upgrade and planning work on Northern Powerhouse Rail. The department has also provided £200m to support West Yorkshire’s mass transit development and prioritised funding to scope a new Rotherham station and renew South Yorkshire’s Supertram network.
The proposed rail upgrades align with broader goals to decentralise transport planning and give local leaders a formal role in shaping the rail network under the upcoming Great British Railways governance structure.
