Plans for a new railway station at a former industrial site near Leeds are now full steam ahead after Leeds City Council approved the scheme.

The proposals for the new station at Kirkstall Forge are part of developer Commercial Estate Group’s plans to redevelop the 56-acre former industrial site into a mixed-use community.

The scheme includes 1,045 homes and 300,000 sq ft of commercial office space as well as retail and leisure. Commercial Estates Group has provided £4m to the delivery of the station.

Charles Johnson from Commercial Estates Group said: “The new railway station will mean that Kirkstall Forge will only be a six minute journey from Leeds city centre. This, together with the riverside frontage and facilities such as a gym, crèche, hotel, restaurants and bars makes it an ideal location for residents and businesses to locate.”

The station could be open by 2013 if the plans are approved by the Department of Transport.

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