A business-led organisation which stands for Huddersfield has described a £1.5 billion rail investment as a “game changer” for the town.

Huddersfield Unlimited says the TransPennine Route Upgrade, which will see full electrification and an internal modernisation of Huddersfield Railway Station, is a massive boost for the local economy.

Huddersfield Unlimited submitted a detailed response to a public inquiry into the scheme which will see a doubling of the tracks from two to four between Huddersfield and Westtown just outside Dewsbury.

The Government gave the go ahead to the plans six months earlier than expected, fast-tracking progress on the ambitious plans, one of the biggest applications ever made by Network Rail.

The scheme will see Deighton and Mirfield stations improved and a brand new one built at Ravensthorpe.

Sir John Harman, chairman of Huddersfield Unlimited, said: “The upgrade of the TransPennine route is a huge investment which will cement Huddersfield’s strategic advantage at the centre of the North’s main transport corridor.

Sir John Harman

“Huddersfield Unlimited is delighted that work in the area will finally be able to begin. We will continue to press for investment in the whole East-West route which is vital to the entire northern economy.

“Huddersfield Unlimited is seeking insightful expert input and reviewing all the information currently available surrounding the whole TransPennine Route activity to identify opportunities to push for ongoing investment, adding to the economic wellbeing for Huddersfield and West Yorkshire.”

Huddersfield Unlimited does acknowledge that there will inevitably be a period of disruption whilst the works take place over the next few years and that, unfortunately, some of the disruption will coincide with other town centre works being performed by Kirklees Council.

However, the organisation points out that patience will pay off and the end result will provide a much-improved link from Huddersfield to both Leeds and Manchester as well as further to York, Liverpool and beyond.

Not only will there be improved rail services to and from Huddersfield, but Huddersfield Unlimited is keen to emphasise that it believes the strategic location of Huddersfield, just to the east of the Pennines and almost central on the line, will allow new businesses to choose the town as the location for their northern stronghold and bring with them new jobs for the residents of Huddersfield.

For more information on how Huddersfield Unlimited is supporting business and investment in the town, visit: https://www.huddersfieldunlimited.co.uk/what-we-do/