Dewsbury railway station celebrates 175 years of connecting communities

Yesterday (Thursday 8 June) celebrations were held at Dewsbury's iconic railway station to commemorate its past, present, and future.

To mark the milestone, customers and local residents were welcomed to the station by the fabulous Dewsbury Community Choir and plenty of cake.   

Daniel Fox, Community Manager for TransPennine Express, said: “Dewsbury station has been at the heart of the town’s community for the past 175 years and has paid a key role in connecting Dewsbury to Huddersfield, Leeds, Manchester, York, and beyond.

“It was fantastic to celebrate such a major anniversary alongside rail industry colleagues and look ahead at the exciting investment coming through the Transpennine Route Upgrade.”

Since opening in 1848, the Grade II listed building has witnessed a lifetime of changes including the transition from steam locomotives to diesel engines. It will play a key role in the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) where investment will deliver a station and a railway truly fit for the 21st century, including electric trains.

Plans for Dewsbury station as part of the multi-billion-pound Transpennine Route Upgrade include:

• Extending the length of platforms to allow for longer trains with increased capacity
• Increasing the canopy cover to make waiting for trains more comfortable
• An additional waiting shelter on platform 2 which will be accessible for double-width buggies and wheelchairs
• New station lighting & CCTV throughout to increase passenger safety
• Significantly improved wayfinding throughout; including braille, contrasting colours and increased signage with supporting pictures to make the station fully accessible for everyone

Sarah Thompson, Network Rail Sponsor for Transpennine Route Upgrade said: “We had a wonderful time celebrating the station’s rich history with industry partners whilst also looking ahead at the exciting future.

“I’d like to thank the community for their ongoing support as we move closer to delivering this once-in-a-generation scheme.”

Councillor Eric Firth, cabinet member for transport and Dewsbury ward councillor on Kirklees Council, said: “This year marks a signification milestone for Dewsbury Station, and I’m pleased to join in the celebrations.  

“Rail travel will play a crucial role in the sustainability revolution and Dewsbury Station will be a significant contributor to this movement with the investment and electrification that TRU will bring.

“I’d like to take this moment to thank Friends of Dewsbury Station, TransPennine Express, and Network Rail for their dedication to maintaining the station’s cleanliness and creating a welcoming environment for all who use it.”