THE Government is being urged to “back Bradford” and commit to bringing Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) to the city and open up opportunity for people in the district. 

There are fears the project could be scaled back and see it follow the existing Trans-Pennine line through Huddersfield and Dewsbury as opposed to a new high-speed rail line being built between Leeds and Manchester, which would serve Bradford.

A new line with a city centre station is seen as a vital part of ‘levelling up’ Bradford and the wider area, unlocking connectivity and unleashing economic potential - but leaders have warned it cannot be an ‘either/or’ choice between projects.

On a visit to Birstall earlier this week, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said there was a commitment to Northern Powerhouse Rail, but could not give “chapter and verse” on where the stops would be. 

Bradford Council leader Susan Hinchliffe, West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin and Shadow Transport Secretary Jim McMahon met at St James’ Market - the proposed station site - in a renewed call for the Government to deliver. It came as Bradford South MP Judith Cummins led a Westminster Hall debate on the programme.

Cllr Hinchliffe said: “I think we’re at a moment in time now where the Government can really show that if they want to level up the North, Bradford is the place to put Northern Powerhouse Rail, connected to Leeds, on that through line between Leeds, Bradford and Manchester and that will be a real mark of their intent when it comes to levelling up.”

She said NPR is a “big part” of making sure Bradford punches its economic weight in the country - but there are other steps, like the One City Park office plan, which Bradford Council sees as one of the biggest regeneration schemes in the district; the markets plan and bringing PWC into the city centre. The location of the site will fit into the Bradford city centre being planned for the future, she added. 

“I think Bradford is valued by Government and is certainly valued by all Northern leaders, they want to make a difference in Bradford, but they’ve got to make some choices in the next few weeks and months about Northern Powerhouse Rail,” Cllr Hinchcliffe said.

“And I want to make them realise that actually, making a decision pro-Bradford in that Integrated Rail Plan is hugely significant for us.”

As concerns linger around a scaling back of the project, Ms Brabin said: “I would make the argument very loudly that it has to be absolutely separate, with Bradford having that stop. I know the potential of Bradford.”

While Trans-Pennine line funding is welcomed, she said: “It can’t be an either/or.  It’s really vital we have both.”

Other rail projects in the region, albeit on a smaller scale, including new stations at Wakefield Westgate and Kirkstall were held up as an example of the wider impact they can have. 

“A station is a magnet for regeneration and the footprint becomes wider and wider,” said Ms Brabin. 

On a national level, the regeneration of Kings Cross in London was said to have “completely transformed” the landscape. 

“That could happen here and will happen here with the right investment and the right intent from Government to make this decision,” said Cllr Hinchcliffe. 

“I think it’s really important that the North isn’t expected to choose between significant infrastructure investments in the way that London just doesn’t have to,” said the Shadow Transport Secretary.

“HS2 and the eastern leg, which is critical for this region, must be delivered in the way that it was promised. Northern Powerhouse Rail must be delivered in the way that it was promised, but that’s not the end of it, it can’t be the end of it, because that in itself will be a catalyst, but it won’t be all that the region has to realise its potential.”

Cllr Hinchcliffe urged those in power to “back Bradford, back the youngest city in the country and back the future of this country”.

Meanwhile, Mrs Cummins urged the Government to ‘level’ with the people of the North.

She asked: “It [the Government] is either going to deliver in full on Northern Powerhouse Rail, or it isn’t. Which is it to be?” 

Transport minister Andrew Stephenson said the Government remains “absolutely committed” to NPR, but said: “In terms of the content of the Integrated Rail Plan and the recommended way forward for the NPR programme, final decisions are yet to be made.”

He added: “The Government recognises the importance of improving rail connectivity to Bradford for the local community, for passengers and for the regeneration opportunities it could bring.”