Plans submitted for empty railway station units

Two empty units in a listed rail station could be transformed from their current "state of disrepair" under new plans.

Northern has submitted a planning application to refurbish a former radiator showroom and an old dance studio at Bingley railway station.

The move is part of a £3.6m push from Northern to make better use of its stations and generate more income.

Bradford Council is expected to make a decision on the application next month.

Northern said the “deterioration” of the two units needs to be halted.

The Grade II listed station has undergone a major refurbishment in recent years that has included roof repairs and the replacement of decayed rafters and joists, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The application for the work said: “The submitted proposals form part of a wider scheme being undertaken by Northern Trains to repurpose existing redundant accommodation within station buildings throughout their network and to bring back into potential occupation for commercial use."

It said the project aimed to open up revenue opportunities.

The application said the building housing the units was "in a state of disrepair".

It added: “The rooms, particularly the former dance studio, have suffered from significant damp ingress since becoming vacant.

“These spaces are envisioned to be renovated into a shell ready for reuse, allowing prospective tenants the flexibility to customise the interiors to suit their business needs."

The application said it was essential that the current deterioration was halted before repairs become uneconomic.

A Northern spokesperson said the work formed part of a £3.6m investment in its stations' buildings which aims to attract more tenants.

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