Keighley Railway Station upgrade hit by delay and £1m cost rise

The cost of renovating Keighley Station has also risen and is now expected to be in the region of £10 million as opposed to the £9 million previously envisaged.

Project bosses admitted the work had "not been without its challenges" but insisted the project was "progressing well."

A Network Rail spokesperson said: "The main challenge has been the roof structure’s amount of rotten timber, which was much more extensive than anticipated.

​"This resulted in scaffolding being up for longer, and had a knock-on effect on other areas of work."

A newly-refurbished part of the station (Image: Network Rail) In September, a Network Rail spokesperson said the "overall project is due for completion by the end of the calendar year."

However, a press release issued this week revealed work was now set for completion in the new year, with February being the target completion date, so long as the winter weather is not severe.

However, snagging and tidying may go beyond February.

The extensive renovation, which is transforming the station’s historic Grade II listed building and surrounding infrastructure, is designed to deliver a safer, more reliable and more comfortable experience for passengers.

Key highlights include the refurbishment of the station building, a full renewal of the station roof, and significant upgrades to the front canopy and platform 1 waiting room.

Restoration work at Keighley Station is progressing (Image: Network Rail) The newly-strengthened western footbridge, now open, marks a major milestone in providing an accessible route for all passengers travelling on the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway.

Vital structural repairs are also under way to improve the long-term safety and sustainability of the station.

Jonathan Taylor, portfolio manager for Network Rail's eastern region, said: “Work is progressing well on upgrading this historic station, and we are looking forward to completing the project in the new year.

Work on-going to upgrade the waiting room at Keighley station (Image: Network Rail) “While the scheme has not been without its challenges, we are pleased with the progress made. The main areas of the station will be substantially complete by the end of the year, with the remaining smaller tasks and waiting room expected to be finished in early 2025.”

Robbie Moore, MP for Keighley & Ilkley, said: “Keighley railway station holds huge historical and cultural value for our town and serves as a key transport hub for our community, facilitating more than one million journeys each year.

Newly reopened Western bridge at Keighley station (Image: Network Rail) "After years of lobbying, numerous meetings with Network Rail and Northern, and my repeated calls in Parliament for these works, I am thrilled to see the long-awaited upgrades to our station nearing completion.

"This will no doubt secure Keighley station long into the future.”