New CGI imagery of proposed train station revealed

New images of how the remodelled Leeds Station could look have been revealed today.

The images have been released as part of a new report, the Leeds Integrated Station Masterplan, which provides the blueprint for the station’s ambitious transformation into a gateway hub integrating national, regional and local transport services with HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail.

The computer generated images show both internal and external indicative images of what the station could look like based on principles for the masterplan approved by Leeds City Council last month.

These include new entrances, a new central common concourse, new platforms, new public space, a new roof, a new footbridge, external landscaping and the creation of a surrounding station campus for commercial, residential and leisure developments.

The first image shows a new front entrance and adjoining landscaping work to create a world-class main gateway entrance to Leeds, the city which is currently experiencing the fastest private-sector jobs growth of any in the UK.

The second shows the main new internal feature of the remodelled station – a central common concourse connecting HS2, Northern Powerhouse Rail and existing rail services, with an overbridge structure offering access to all other platforms.

The third image shows one of the proposed new entrances connecting to the South Bank and the new city park, with welcoming public space, landscaping and a HS2 train visible in the background.

The city centre’s road network would be remodelled with adjoining streets and those under the station being pedestrianised, with the dark arches being transformed into new retail and leisure spaces.

The station masterplan sets out the potential for three million square feet of new commercial development around the station, with a further 7,000-square metres of complementary leisure and retail space inside as part of the new common concourse.

The new images have been produced by Atkins, a consortium of leading global design, engineering and project management consultants on the planning and design work for the remodelling of the station.

The images have all been created on behalf of the Leeds Station Board made up of Leeds City Council, Network Rail, HS2 Ltd, West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Transport for the North, Department for Transport and the Department of Communities and Local Government.

Aside from being a key national landmark and integrated transport interchange boosting regional connectivity, the remodelled Leeds Station featuring high-speed rail has a pivotal role to play as an economic and regeneration driver for the city and wider region.

This forms part of the city region’s emerging HS2 Growth Strategy, highlighting how the region aims to work together and with the government to maximise the benefits of high-speed rail.

In Leeds the arrival of HS2 is a key element of the regeneration of the South Bank, a 250-hectare regeneration project creating at least 8,000 new homes and generating 35,000 jobs, featuring the new learning hub for the city, a new city park and a reimagined River Aire waterfront. This regeneration will double the size and economic impact of Leeds city centre.

Leader of Leeds City Council Councillor Judith Blake said: “These fantastic new images of what Leeds Station could look like show not only its exciting future as a distinct and welcoming gateway to the city, but how important it is to get this right by putting people and the visitor experience at the heart of all the plans. It must provide a stepchange not only for the future of transport and connectivity in our city and region, but also as a key economic driver for our future economy providing opportunities for all to benefit from through a clear people-first approach.

“The arrival of high-speed rail is essential to helping Leeds and the wider region fully realise its massive potential, and we hope by seeing these images and reading the report everyone can see the level of ambition we have for this project – Leeds deserves the best and that is our committed aim.”

Sir David Higgins, Chairman of HS2 Ltd, said: “It’s fantastic to see how much progress has been made since we first announced our plans to bring HS2 to Leeds. Working together with HS2 Ltd, the Leeds City Region, Network Rail and Transport for the North, Leeds has clearly seized the opportunity that high-speed rail represents both locally and regionally.

“HS2 presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity both to revitalise Leeds and, in the process, rebalance Britain. Leeds’ plans live up to that level of ambition and will leave a legacy that the city and the region can be proud of for decades to come.”

John Cridland, Chair of Transport for the North, said: “With this station masterplan we are taking the first step towards creating a truly integrated transport hub, combining local, regional and high speed rail services, including our transformational Northern Powerhouse Rail programme.”

Rob McIntosh, route managing director for Network Rail, said: “We know that a world-class station has the potential to drive the transformation of the surrounding area, driving further investment and improving social opportunities for the community the station serves. That is why we are delighted to be partners in this exciting vision which will transform the city station to create a world-class gateway.”

Further public and stakeholder consultation will now take place on the masterplan with the Leeds Station plans forming part of a six-week consultation beginning on Wednesday 8 November on the plans for the South Bank.