Leeds train station redevelopment masterplan unveiled

Details about the remodelling of Leeds train station to become a ‘destination station’ have been unveiled ahead of a Leeds City Council executive meeting.

The development will pave the way for HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail to arrive into the heart of the city. Proposals will act as a blueprint of the station redevelopment masterplan. The investment in the project would be in excess of £500m.

The council said that the ambition is for the station to become a key national landmark and transport interchange, as well as a pivotal regeneration and economic driver and asset for the city and region. This follows recent improvements to the station, including the addition of the southern entrance which opened last year and the private investment by Bruntwood in redeveloping the Platform building next to the main station entrance.

The proposals have been set out by Leeds City Council working with partners including HS2 Ltd, Network Rail, West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Transport for the North, Department for Transport and the Department of Communities and Local Government.

Leeds station is already the busiest transport hub in the north of England, and the overall aims set out for its future are for it to be a world-class hub featuring quality architecture and design; a distinctive gateway into Leeds and the wider region; a destination station being an attractive place to visit where the South Bank meets City Square and; a connected place where national, regional, and local transport services meet and are integrated together.

Elements proposed in the masterplan include creating a station campus district for commercial, residential and leisure developments ; multiple entrance points, with City Square becoming predominantly public space; New Station Street to become pedestrianised; a new central concourse in the station connecting HS2, Northern Powerhouse Rail and existing rail services, with an overbridge structure offering access to all other platforms.

There would also be a new footbridge at Bridgewater Road and improved pedestrian and cycling links across the River Aire and additional rail platforms.

The planning and design remodelling work for Leeds Station is being led by Atkins.

Leader of Leeds City Council Councillor Judith Blake said: “Leeds Station has a vital role to play in the future of our city and the wider region, boosting connectivity and being a key driver of social and economic improvement and opportunity.

“Aside from being a fully integrated transport hub, we want it to be a distinctive, attractive place people want to be and visit, with a clear identity as a welcoming gateway to our city and beyond. As a major asset for the city, region and the north as a whole, its potential must be maximised to become a catalyst for inward investment, job creation and to generate inclusive growth for the benefit of all.”