Wakefield Kirkgate refurbishment

[34D]

Hello,

Does anyone know what work is being done at the east end of the island platform (2/3)? Temporary fencing up, diggers etc on the platform.

Thanks

 

[electra27000]

Hello,

Does anyone know what work is being done at the east end of the island platform (2/3)? Temporary fencing up, diggers etc on the platform.

Demolition? That end of platform 2/3 are fenced off and never used, anyway.

 

[wbbminerals]

Demolition? That end of platform 2/3 are fenced off and never used, anyway.

The canopy (from Lancashire & Yorkshire days, allegedly) is being removed along with the spine wall. I highly doubt that the platforms will be shortened though, as their length may prove useful in the future.

 

[AndyHudds]

The station is getting a general make over,not before time either. It could actually be a nice station if they do a good job of it, not sure whether its going to be staffed with a ticket office though,hope so.

http://www.wymetro.com/news/projects/projectdetails/wakefieldkirkgate

 

[142094]

Thought GC were planning on putting a ticket office in, or at least there was talk of it a while back.

 

[electra27000]

The canopy (from Lancashire & Yorkshire days, allegedly) is being removed along with the spine wall.

That sounds about right. Don't refurbish it and use it to shelter passengers...sorry, customers, from the rain. Knock it down and replace it with another bus shelter... :roll:

 

[AndyHudds]

Thought GC were planning on putting a ticket office in, or at least there was talk of it a while back.

I had heard that too, that there was going to be a staffed ticket office but can't find any info to back that up.

 

[142094]

I had heard that too, that there was going to be a staffed ticket office but can't find any info to back that up.

Last I heard was a company (might have been some sort of charity or community group) wanted to buy the main buildings and do it up, and I assume that is where GC would have the booking office). Haven't heard anything since.

 

[Masboroughlad]

A group called Groundwork ( I think) are doing it up. Think it will have public space / rooms for use and I am sure I heard that it will have shop / retail facility that can sell tickets.

About bl**dy time - it has been an unsavoury, unwelcoming station for years. At night-time, I would think twice about being there at the moment.

Sorry - just read the article above in the link - it says much of this!

 

[wbbminerals]

That sounds about right. Don't refurbish it and use it to shelter passengers...sorry, customers, from the rain. Knock it down and replace it with another bus shelter... :roll:

I agree with you, the canopies could be very nice if a little cash was spent on them... that's not going to happen unfortunately. However it is good that the station is finally being redeveloped after years of neglect.

 

[Masboroughlad]

http://www.purcelluk.com/our-projects/wakefield-kirkgate-station

It looks fairly sympathetic as refurbs go, not just bulldozers and bus shelters

 

[Lampshade]

If the budget was unlimited, I'd liked to have seen the subway closed and replaced with an accessible bridge a la Buckshaw Parkway.

 

[Masboroughlad]

If the budget was unlimited, I'd liked to have seen the subway closed and replaced with an accessible bridge a la Buckshaw Parkway.

I think that is planned if you look at the graphics.

 

[AndyHudds]

If the budget was unlimited, I'd liked to have seen the subway closed and replaced with an accessible bridge a la Buckshaw Parkway.

I agree it stinks like a public toilet and its an awful station on night, even I have to think twice before using after dusk!!!

 

[wbbminerals]

I agree it stinks like a public toilet

I've not had that problem in the subway for a few years - since the CCTV was put in!! Before that though yes it smelt worse than an XC voyager.

 

[ashworth]

Even though the through service to Nottingham departs from Kirkgate I won't use it at night, but would rather use Westgate and change at Sheffield. It isn't just the station but the area immediately around it leading up to the entrance that also feels unsafe.

 

[Waverley125]

Kirkgate is definitely in need of a huge refurb, in terms of more than just the on-platform environment. It really needs the demolition of a large amount of the fairly run down council estate to the north for a new station carpark, and the easing of pedestrian access into central Wakefield.

Given the lines it's position on, I'd hope it would eventually see a good level of service. If you take that it's on the Leeds-Sheffield via Barnsley, & Huddersfield-Knottingley/Castleford lines, it should have a better level of service than presently.

 

[34D]

It really needs the demolition of a large amount of the fairly run down council estate to the north for a new station carpark, and the easing of pedestrian access into central Wakefield.

I'm sure the families who live there would like to see your home demolished too.

Having young children, Kirkgate is the station of choice for visiting Wakefield as it is step-free. A staff presence would be nice though.

 

[HSTEd]

How about one of those lightweight (and therefore fairly low cost) station roofs made of ETFE film?

 

[electra27000]

How about one of those lightweight (and therefore fairly low cost) station roofs made of ETFE film?

Something to challenge the local 'yoof' - to see how quickly they can wreck it - you mean

 

[HSTEd]

Something to challenge the local 'yoof' - to see how quickly they can wreck it - you mean

Well if it starts three metres above platform level or the like, I think even the local yobs would have a hard time doing significant damage to it, especially since it can be repaired with a patch of ETFE film and a heat gun.

 

[ashworth]

Why has this thread been moved from NR General Discussion to Traction and Rolling Stock when surely, if it must really did need moving, it should have been moved to Infrastructure?

 

[yorkie]

Why has this thread been moved from NR General Discussion to Traction and Rolling Stock when surely, if it must really did need moving, it should have been moved to Infrastructure?

I can only assume it was a mistake by a moderator! Sorry about that. I have moved it to Infrastructure.

Please, if anyone has a message for the moderation team use the report button. The

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[tom1649]

I've noticed that work has started on the (long overdue) refurbishment of this station. Is it still planned to reopen the booking office? If not, is it planned to renovate the station building for other use?

 

[MidnightFlyer]

It's planned to be a community centre sort of set up I think, with (human) ticket issuing facilities too.

 

[9K43]

All the trains that use Kirkgate are Pay on the train.
The booking office was closed in the early 1980's
The best part about kirkgate was we got 1.5hrs Travelling time to sign on at this location, 4 hours for Leeds City, 3 hours for Huddersfield/ Bradford.
Due to sickness at Huddersfield, I was sent take the place of the sick guard and had 6 weeks signing on plus 3 hours travelling time to boot for every day I was there.
Money most welcome in my pocket.

This happened in the summer of 1982.

 

[tom1649]

Thanks for the information. I'd always wondered when the booking office closed. It's such a shame that the buildings were then left to rot. It would be interesting to see inside, I wonder if any old equipment was left lying around.

 

[Haydn1971]

Just passed through Wakefield Kirkgate and not seeing much going off now - is that it ? £2M ? Doesn't seem finished, but signs are up as though it is... Anyone know for sure ?

 

[yorksrob]

I think Groundwork will be refurbishing the actual station building as well (which hasn't really been touched yet). Also, I've heard talk of a footbridge.

I will be a bit dissappointed if there isn't a bit more cover provided for the island platform though.

 

[YorkshireBear]

Nope it is not finished, i do unfortunately believe that that is it for the Island and that no more cover will be provided.

I believe some media from Network Rail for Wakefield Kirkgate recently stated they look forward to continuing the work over the next few years. The main building is to be fully refurbed i believe possibly with a cafe as part of a wider community project.

Does anyone have any details on whether the station will be staffed?

Feel a station of that size which could soon see more services should have more.