LonGBoaT Wakefield recently had a productive meeting with Zoe and Rob from Wakefield Council’s Urban Greening Team, discussing exciting new initiatives to enhance green spaces around Wakefield Kirkgate Station. This meeting, part of Wakefield’s Urban Green and Blue Strategy, explored opportunities to Wakefield Kirkgate Station's role to help increase biodiversity, improve active travel routes, and create more welcoming public spaces in the city.
Bringing More Greenery to Kirkgate
One of the key proposals involves planting new trees near the station’s drop-off and collection point, an idea previously suggested by members of the station adoption team. These trees would not only add to the landscaping in the area but also contribute to biodiversity, offer much-needed shade, and help mitigate air pollution. As part of our ongoing commitment to the station’s improvement, LonGBoaT Wakefield has offered to assist with watering and maintaining the new trees, ensuring they establish successfully, should they be installed.
Creating an Active Travel Corridor
This initiative is part of a larger project to develop a green corridor between Wakefield Kirkgate Station and the city centre, making walking and cycling routes more attractive and environmentally friendly. Additional wildflower planting is planned at the Kirkgate roundabout, bringing more colour and biodiversity to this busy gateway into the city.
Furthermore, plans are in motion to hopefully transform the land around the former Snooty Fox pub into a new green space, providing an additional urban oasis for residents and visitors.
The Role of Wakefield’s Urban Green and Blue Steering Group
These discussions align with the broader objectives of Wakefield’s Urban Green and Blue Steering Group, which brings together council officers, businesses, and voluntary organisations to shape a greener future for the district. The group’s key aims include:
Increasing urban biodiversity through tree planting and habitat creation
Improving air quality and reducing noise pollution
Encouraging active travel by making walking and cycling routes more inviting
Enhancing mental health and well-being through access to green spaces
Attracting investment by creating a more sustainable and vibrant city
Looking Ahead
While funding and specific timelines are yet to be confirmed, this meeting marked an exciting step forward in reimagining Wakefield Kirkgate as a greener, more sustainable transport hub.
LonGBoaT Wakefield is proud to play a role in these efforts and looks forward to collaborating further with Wakefield Council, local stakeholders, and volunteers to bring these plans to life.
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