Plans to refurb Bingley Railway Station
Northern want to attract new businesses to their stations.
Empty space in the listed Bingley Railway Station, described as being in “a state of disrepair”, will be refurbished in a bid to attract businesses back to the building.
Two vacant units in the station will be included in a push by Northern to make better use of its stations, with more than £3.6m being spent on refurbishing stations to make them more attractive to new businesses.
The stop used to be home to two stores, a radiator showroom, and a dance studio.
Northern says the two units have suffered from damp and their “deterioration” needs to be halted.
A planning application to refurbish the units has now been submitted to Bradford Council.
The application says Northern is attempting to bring more life to its stations but also to boost income.
The station underwent a major refurbishment in recent years that included roof repairs and the replacement of decayed rafters and joists.
The application for the work to the two units says: “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.
“A number of these stations have been vacant for a number of years and the project aims to improve the fabric and aesthetic in addition to opening up revenue opportunities.
“At Bingley railway station the proposals cover the road side/ground floor former dance studio and former radiator shop.
“The building at the station remaining in a state of disrepair and has been identified by Northern Trains to bring back into occupation with the dual benefit of improving the station aesthetic and as an opportunity for potential commercial income.
“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.
“Bringing life, together with the upgrades will enhance and prolong the life of the building for the present day and future generations to enjoy.
"It is essential that the current deterioration is halted before repairs become uneconomic.”
A spokesman from Northern Rail said: “This is part of a £3.6 million investment in our stations buildings, which aims to attract more tenants.”
A decision on the application is expected next month.