Geograph - photograph every grid square

The original station at Kirkgate was opened in 1840 by the Manchester and Leeds Railway, but the remaining buildings date from 1854. It was once a grand station but lost its importance during the 20th century; the nadir came in 1972 when the main station roof and many of the ancillary buildings were demolished. By the early 21st century it was unstaffed and derelict in appearance, but with the reinstatement of through trains to London operated by Grand Central Railway, it was restored at a cost of over £5 million in 2013/14. The station is now staffed again, but without its roof the platforms still have a somewhat windswept and lonely feel. The main building is listed grade 2 (list entry 1258253).