Network Rail is investing over £4m to upgrade the Grade II listed Keighley station in west Yorkshire, a move that is set to benefit the 1.7m passengers who use the 175-year-old station every year.

The work will involve refurbishing the station building, footbridge and entrance whilst protecting the heritage of the building. The canopies over the access ramps will be refurbished, both platforms are being resurfaced, and work is also taking place to improve stepping distances between the platforms and trains.

Network Rail is working closely with Northern, who manage the station, and the work will be carried out in phases to minimise disruption for station users, with the company claiming that the work will not have any impact on train services. 

Mark Bloor, route asset manager for Network Rail, said: “This upgrade at Keighley station will bring many benefits to passengers and all those who use the station. Refurbishing the building and improving the footbridge will make using the station more pleasant.”

Pete Myers, stakeholder manager for Northern, said: “Northern welcomes this major investment by Network Rail. Keighley is an important station for the region with many commuters and leisure travellers using it every day.” 

Graham Mitchell, Keighley station adopter & chairman of friends of Airedale line, said: “Keighley station is not only an important commuter hub, it is the gateway to Bronte country and the current state of the building is not a good advertisement for the town or the district. The 1.7 million people who use Keighley station each year have waited a long time for renovation and refurbishment, so this announcement is certainly to be welcomed.”

Network Rail is currently working on designs for the improvements and work is expected to start on site in April 2021. The upgrade is expected to be completed in March 2022.