Latest phase of infrastructure improvements to begin at city gateway

The next phase of works is due to start to transform Leeds City Railway Station’s main entrance and surrounding area.

To facility this, New Station Street will be closed from Friday 19 May to all traffic, except service vehicles and emergency services. Due to the closure, the station taxi rank will be moved to Princes Square.

19 May will also see the northern section of New Station Street, from the station’s main entrance towards City Square, closed to pedestrians to allow works to be carried out.

Pedestrians will be able to walk towards Boar Lane from the main entrance by travelling along the other side of New Station Street or use the station’s northern entrance – opposite the Majestic building – to access City Square, Infirmary Street, Park Row and Wellington Street.

Closure of New Station Street is part of Network Rail’s Mill Goit Works which will see Network Rail reinforce the underground structure below New Station Street that supports much of the station above it and is essential maintenance work.

In parallel, progress is being made on the Leeds Station Sustainable Travel Gateway scheme, intended to create an improved environment that can accommodate growing rail passenger numbers.

The £46.1m Sustainable Travel Gateway scheme is being delivered by Leeds City Council on behalf of Network Rail as the landowner, and in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

Completion of the project in September 2025 will involve:

Pedestrianising New Station Street, including the section which meets Boar Lane, with outdoor seating and rest areas, and landscaping.

Relocating the existing taxi rank to Bishopsgate Street where there will be a large shelter and room for six vehicles, also allowing for kerb-side boarding.

Two 21-passenger lifts from Bishopgate Street to the station entrance on New Station Street, providing step-free access between the two streets.

A cycle hub at the station, which will include electric charging points and storage for all types of cycles.

Environmental improvements to Neville Street and Dark Neville Street including enhanced lighting, road surface and pavement and elevation treatments.

Installing cycle infrastructure on Bishopgate Street and Neville Street.

Councillor Helen Hayden, Leeds City Council’s executive member for infrastructure and climate, said: “It is fantastic news that the work is now underway in earnest delivering Network Rail’s Mill Goit Works and the creation of a gateway to our city that meets the current and future needs of Leeds and everyone that uses the station.

“The schemes on completion will complement the ongoing transformation of City Square and will create a safer and people friendly environment while increasing the capacity of the station and developing better links between the city centre and the wider South Bank.”