Working Together for a Safer, Stronger Wakefield Kirkgate
- LonGBoaT Wakefield
- Feb 9
- 2 min read
Today, Chris (Vice Chair) and David (Chair) of LonGBoaT Wakefield attended a stakeholder meeting in the boardroom at Wakefield Kirkgate railway station to discuss the future of the station; with a particular focus on safety, security and long-term revitalisation.
The meeting, hosted by Grand Central Railway, brought together ourselves and other representatives from:
It was encouraging to see such a broad partnership around the table - a clear sign that Kirkgate matters to organisations across the district.
A Station Tour Led by LonGBoaT Wakefield
The meeting began with a full station tour, facilitated by Chris in his role as Kirkgate Station Adoption Lead. This walk-through provided an opportunity to showcase the work that LonGBoaT Wakefield and our volunteers have delivered as part of the station adoption project.
Chris spoke about:
Our horticulture improvements, including raised beds and planting schemes
The development of community art installations
The creation of our Community Gallery, celebrating local creativity within a railway setting
The wider impact of visible, positive community activity on perceptions of safety
He also spoke candidly about the station’s strengths and weaknesses in 2026 — highlighting the progress made since the major refurbishment a decade ago, while recognising areas that still need attention.
Public transport spaces must feel safe and welcoming for everyone. For LGBT+ people in particular, visible partnership working and proactive safety discussions help build trust and confidence in using shared public spaces.
Stakeholder Discussion & Next Steps
Following the tour, attendees gathered in the boardroom for refreshments and networking before moving into more detailed discussions.
While specific proposals cannot yet be shared publicly, the conversation centred on:
Safety and security improvements
Partnership working
Long-term opportunities for revitalisation
Building on the momentum of the station’s refurbishment ten years ago
There was a strong sense of shared commitment from everyone present. The enthusiasm in the room was clear: each organisation recognises that Kirkgate has enormous potential and that collaborative effort is key to unlocking it.
A follow-up meeting has been scheduled for after the Wakefield Council elections in May 2026, where action points from today’s discussions will be reviewed.
A Commitment to Ongoing Partnership
LonGBoaT Wakefield is keen to see a regular stakeholder forum established to ensure continued accountability, transparency and shared ownership of the station’s future.
In time, we hope to widen this conversation and open opportunities for community involvement, ensuring local voices are heard alongside institutional partners.
Kirkgate belongs to the community - and its future should be shaped collaboratively.
Get Involved
Our station adoption project continues to grow, and volunteers remain at the heart of everything we do.
If you’d like to:
Support horticulture projects
Help shape community art installations
Contribute to creating a welcoming, inclusive station environment
Gain experience in partnership working and community development
For enquiries about our station adoption project: kirkgate@longboatwakefield.org
Together, we can continue building a Wakefield Kirkgate that is safe, vibrant and reflective of the diverse communities who pass through it every day.
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