Part of ‘no-go’ historic railway station on track for demolition

Councillors in Wakefield are set to approve a plan to demolish and renovate part of historic Kirkgate Station.

The railway station, which is Grade II listed, has gained a reputation as a no-go area following a series of crimes including the rape of a young woman and has become a magnet for anti-social behaviour.

But now rail bosses are proposing a series of changes to open the building up and make it feel more secure.

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As Kirkgate, which was built in 1840, is listed, Network Rail has submitted an application to Wakefield Council’s planning and highways committee, asking for listed building consent to carry out demolition work and renovations and to build canopies at the station.

A report to members of the committee, which meets next Thursday, says: “The building of the train station is a Grade II listed building with relatively extensive frontage in classical style and symmetrical design. The structure is finished in ashlar stone and dates from around 1854.

“The station was recognised as a listed building in 1979.

“The train station provides connections to Leeds, Castleford, Normanton, Selby, Huddersfield, Meadowhall, Sheffield, Pontefract and Knottingley.”

The proposed scheme affects platforms one to three and includes the demolition, alteration and erection of canopies.

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Wakefield Civic Society, while welcoming a bid to improve the station, has raised concerns along with a conservation officer about the loss of canopies and spine wall of heritage value.

However, council planning officers are recommending that the scheme is backed as it will open up the station, create a better environment and, it is hoped, encourage more people to use Kirkgate.

The report says the station has been blighted by numerous incidents of anti-social behaviour and other offences. It says that between November 2004 and October 2005 there were 75 reported offences – although almost half were cases of trespass on the railway.

Council officers are recommending that the proposals are given the go-ahead by councillors.

The report, prepared for members, concludes: “The recommendation to support the scheme is a balanced decision as the proposal would introduce substantial changes to the appearance of the station.”