Major Mirfield Upgrade Delivers New Facilities and Future Capacity Boost

Passengers using Mirfield station are now seeing the benefits of a major transformation, with new step-free access, extended platforms and upgraded facilities delivered as part of the £11 billion Transpennine Route Upgrade. The latest changes represent a significant milestone in the long-term programme to modernise rail links across the North.

The improvements mean the station can now accommodate longer trains, providing additional seating capacity and laying the groundwork for faster and more reliable journeys in the years ahead. These upgrades are intended to strengthen connections across West Yorkshire while improving links to destinations further afield.

The refurbished station was officially reopened today by Kim Leadbeater, MP for Spen Valley, who cut the ribbon at the site. For the first time in the station’s history, Mirfield now has a footbridge equipped with lifts, alongside lengthened platforms designed to handle longer trains. Passengers will also notice new waiting shelters, updated passenger information screens and enhanced lighting.

Beyond the immediate benefits for customers, the platform alterations also support wider Transpennine Route Upgrade plans. The changes will allow for the future installation of two new fast lines through this section of railway, enabling express services to pass stopping trains. This is expected to cut journey times while increasing overall capacity and reliability, helping to support economic growth and regional connectivity.

The reopening event was attended by a number of local and regional figures, including disability rights advocate Zach Eagling, Councillor Carole Pattison, Leader of Kirklees Council, Eric Firth from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Transport Committee, and David Wildman, Service Director at Kirklees Council. Other local councillors and members of the Friends of Mirfield Railway Station group were also present.

Kim Leadbeater, MP for Spen Valley, said:

“The reopening of Mirfield station is a huge step forward for rail travel in the Spen Valley area. Faster, more frequent services to and from Mirfield means there will be real benefits for the town, and the improved connectivity to places like Manchester, Leeds and York will help unlock the potential of Kirklees. I’m really glad I could be here today to see first-hand the progress being made on TRU, and look forward to seeing their upgrades coming to life elsewhere.”

Cllr Carole Pattison, Leader of Kirklees Council, said:

“The Transpennine Route Upgrade is a big part of the major investment being made across Kirklees at the moment. If we can keep delivering improvements like these along with the host of other projects that are underway, our economy and our infrastructure has a bright future.”

James Richardson, TRU Managing Director, said:

"The transformation of Mirfield station is another key step for the Transpennine Route Upgrade, it demonstrates the pace of the improvements and how major benefits are already being delivered for communities across the North. Better connectivity for all between our towns and cities is a real enabler for growth across the entire region, and across Team TRU we’re proud to once again showcase our capability, while being on time and on budget.”

Kerry Peters, Director of Stations for Northern, said:

“It is fantastic to see the work that has been completed as part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade for our customers at Mirfield, which will deliver long term benefits to all that use the station. This investment will really make a difference to the everyday journeys of those who use the station. With the installation of the new footbridge and lifts, not only do we see the benefits of step free access, but improved access from platforms to the car park, creating a more seamless journey for our customers.”

Image: Network Rail