Improved towpath and Memorial Park footpath opens in Mirfield, creating greener route to local station

This marks the fourth completed ‘First and Last Mile’ project delivered by the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU), Kirklees Council and Canal & River Trust, as part of a wider initiative to improve active travel connections to and from railway stations along the Transpennine Route.

The project has delivered several enhancements for the local community and canal users:

• 1.2km of upgraded towpath between Station Road, Mirfield and Shepley Marina now provides a robust, all-weather surface suitable for both walkers and wheelers. Alongside the surface upgrade, historic features of the canal – such as cobbled areas and canal banks – have been restored.
• A new bench has been installed, and Trust volunteers have enhanced the flower garden to create a more inviting space.
• A new route from Mirfield Station through the park includes new steps to replace a previously muddy slope, additional paths within the park and an improved exit onto Parkfield Crescent complete with handrails.
• Kirklees Council has enhanced the park further by upgrading the play area and extending the pétanque courts.

These enhancements create a safer, more enjoyable walking route for passengers travelling to and from Mirfield station, which is currently being upgraded. Once complete, customers will benefit from a fully accessible footbridge with lifts, longer platforms that can accommodate longer trains and upgraded customer facilities.

Councillor Moses Crook, deputy leader of Kirklees Council and cabinet member for Housing and Transport, said: 

“It is great to see this project come to fruition, and for Councillors to get an early taster of how residents can enjoy and benefit from the improvements. 

“Access between the park and canal towpath has been greatly improved, and alongside the revitalised paths this offers residents a safe, green and welcoming route to Mirfield Station. Thanks to the multi-billion-pound Transpennine Route Upgrade, it won’t be long until travellers can use this new route to catch faster, greener, and more frequent trains.” 

“We are also celebrating the new play park in Mirfield Memorial Ground, which the council has updated alongside the footpath works as part of the Playable Spaces Programme.”

The project was made possible through a partnership between TRU, Kirklees Council and Canal & River Trust – all working together to improve the ways customers walk, wheel, and cycle to and from the railway.

”It’s fantastic to see this investment making a real difference to the local community that live in Mirfield”, said Kim Leadbeater MP, who officially opened the new route at today’s ribbon-cutting ceremony. “These improvements not only help people make greener travel choices but also enhance the local space and make the area more accessible for everyone”, she added.

The event began at Mirfield Station, followed by a short walk along the upgraded towpath to the memorial garden, where local community group and residents enjoyed refreshments and heard from local partners involved in delivering the project.

Sean McGinley, regional director for Canal & River Trust, said: 

“These towpath improvements have made a real difference for the community, giving more people the opportunity to enjoy their local canal.

“As a charity caring for 2,000 miles of canals and rivers, we’re incredibly grateful to work in partnership on projects like this to improve our waterside routes and protect our 200-year-old canal network.”   

Rachel Blake, sponsor for TRU, said: 

“This is a brilliant example of how we’re working in partnership to deliver more than just a railway upgrade. By supporting local authorities and community partners, TRU is helping to create lasting benefits for people living near the route.”