Kirkgate Rail Station Consultation Day a Great Success
01 Feb 2012
Pupils from Wakefield City Academy took a lead in the Regenerate
Kirkgate consultation process, spearheaded by Groundwork Wakefield,
during their ‘Stop the Clock’ Day of Action on Friday January
27.
The group of Year 8 pupils visited key parts of Wakefield City
Centre, with the Groundwork Engagement Team, to talk to people
about their current views on Wakefield Kirkgate Rail Station and
how they think it could be improved in the future.
The pupils also got the chance to meet and speak with all the
partners involved with the ambitious re-development as well as the
Leader of the Council Peter Box, Mary Creagh MP and local
councillors.
Ken Taylor, Executive Director for Groundwork Wakefield, said: “It
has been great working with the pupils and teachers of Wakefield
City Academy. They have undertaken an invaluable survey for us. We
will now be able to use this information in developing our plans
for the building and surrounding area. It’s also fantastic that we
are getting young people actively involved, as we want their
opinions on how we can encourage their future use of the
station.”
Metro Chairman Cllr James Lewis said, “I am pleased to see young
people being involved in the regeneration of Wakefield Kirkgate in
this way as they are going to be the rail passengers of tomorrow
and it is important that we listen to their views and aim to meet
their expectations of public transport.”
After successfully securing funding for the ambitious project in
partnership with Network Rail, Northern Rail, Metro, Grand Central
Rail, Railway Heritage Trust and Wakefield Council, Groundwork are
now keen to get the views of the residents of the area and users of
Kirkgate Rail Station. This information is extremely important to
secure additional funding and to ensure the development meets the
needs of local people and users of the station.
Working together the partners aim to create the multi-million
pound redevelopment as a welcoming gateway and a step-change in
facilities to Wakefield for rail passengers, providing facilities
for local communities and fostering a sense of community pride in
the area as well as improving the image of the Kirkgate area.
Labour MP, Mary Creagh, added: “I hope everyone will have their
say on these exciting plans, which are the next step in our
campaign to bring Kirkgate up to scratch. I was out in the
city last week with Groundwork and students from Wakefield City
Academy talking to people about our vision for the station. I
pay tribute to Groundwork, Wakefield Council and the partners whose
investment will deliver a first class station fit for the 21
st century.”
Cllr Peter Box, Leader of Wakefield Council said: " Cllr Peter Box
CBE, Leader of Wakefield Council said: “It was great to meet
students from Wakefield Academy who are participating in this
important regeneration project.
“The consultation is a crucial stage and this was a good way for
young voices to be heard. We encourage everyone to have their say
on the Kirkgate re-development and help Groundwork create a station
that will be a real asset to those who use it and to
Wakefield.”
Groundwork are keen to capture the views from as many people as
possible and will be carrying out the consultation up to the end of
February to engage local residents, station and train users and the
wider population of Wakefield in the redevelopment of Kirkgate
Station both face to face and online. Please visit www.surveymonkey.com/s/regeneratekirkgate
.