Bradford city centre could see the building of a new hub railway station that has the potential to boost the region’s economy by £1.5 billion, said new research from consultancy and construction business Mace. Conducted by senior ex-Treasury economist Christ Walker, the research has examined the impact of building a new railway hub in Bradford city centre as part of the Northern Powerhouse Rail line to improve east-west connectivity from Liverpool, Manchester, Bradford, Leeds and Hull. Using data on growth in Birmingham following the construction of the new Birmingham New Street Station, the report has explored how securing a Northern Powerhouse Rail hub in the centre of Bradford could transform the local economy, create jobs and unlock housing and business growth. Moreover, the estimated result of having a new railway station in Bradford as part of the Northern Powerhouse Rail could add a £1.1 billion to £1.5 billion a year economic uplift to the local and Northern economy and support the creation of more than 1,000 jobs. “For Bradford, direct connections across the North will mean more investment coming into the city and residents will greatly benefit from the regeneration this will kick-start across the district whilst also supporting the wider economic contributions to the North’s economy,” said Lisa Bowden, head of infrastructure in the North at Mace. “Mace is backing Bradford’s campaign for Northern Powerhouse Rail as we believe this is a truly once in a generation opportunity to change the city for the better, boosting economic growth, supporting the regeneration in the city and supporting the young and dynamic residents and businesses that call the city home, both now and in the future,” she added. Launched at a workshop hosted by Mace Group in partnership with City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council, the ‘Bradford Bonus’ report was seen by key transport leaders from both organisations, as well as by Transport for the North, West Yorkshire Combined Authority and the West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce.