Grand Central reveals First Class Lounge at Wakefield Kirkgate

Rail users in Wakefield can now enjoy a first class travel experience as Grand Central Rail reveals its first ever First Class lounge at Wakefield Kirkgate.

The investment is part of Grand Central’s ongoing support for the transformation of Wakefield Kirkgate and marks the final stage of the station’s £5.6 million regeneration.

The new lounge is tastefully furnished with a mix of vintage-style sofas, dining-room style chairs and high stool seating, all sourced from local suppliers. The lounge has been designed to provide a unique and welcoming customer experience to all First Class ticket holders – from business travellers to groups of friends or families. With interior design by local designer Samantha Beeley of Design and Concepts, the lounge also showcases dramatic wall art by local street artist Gatch.

Fully equipped with power sockets, USB ports, free Wi-Fi and task lighting, the exclusive lounge can accommodate at least 24 people and provides a number of areas for individuals and groups to relax in, as well as offering business travellers a flexible and dedicated space to work on the go.

Richard McClean, Managing Director at Grand Central, said: “We are excited to launch our new First Class lounge, which is part of our ongoing investment to improve our customer experience at Wakefield Kirkgate. This investment isn’t just about the station itself, it is a real community occasion, bringing together local suppliers and artists who have helped make this vision a reality for the people of Wakefield. As well as offering a unique space for customers to unwind or prepare for business meetings, it is contributing to the the station’s regeneration – to make it a more vibrant, safe and comfortable station for passengers.”

The First Class lounge is open to any passenger holding a First Class ticket, valid for a journey to and/or from Wakefield Kirkgate on the date of travel. This includes both flexible tickets and Grand Central only tickets. Operated in partnership with Taste Buds, an independent coffee shop at Wakefield Kirkgate train station, customers with a valid First Class ticket can show their ticket at the coffee shop to gain entry to the Grand Central lounge and an exclusive discount on the range of quality refreshments and freshly prepared food on offer.

As part of its investment, Grand Central recently revealed the refurbishment of the underpass at Wakefield Kirkgate. Featuring designs by local artist Ashley Jackson and the music of local brass band, it is one of the UK’s first permanent art shows in a railway subway.

The First Class lounge is open Monday to Friday from 07:00-18:00, as well as on Saturday from 07:00-15:00, closed Sunday and Bank Holidays.

The investment is part of the £5.6m development programme, invested into the station to enhance the city’s image, boost the economy and bring new facilities to the district.

For more information contact Danielle Kaye or Eleanor Cropper at Grayling on 0113 273 9900 or [email protected] .

Notes to Editors

1. Grand Central Railway Company Limited operates West Riding services between Bradford Interchange, Halifax, Brighouse, Mirfield, Wakefield Kirkgate, Pontefract Monkhill, Doncaster and London King’s Cross.

2. Grand Central Railway Company Limited also operates North East services between Sunderland, Hartlepool, Eaglescliffe, Northallerton, Thirsk, York and London Kings Cross.