Leeds city rail station shoots into the next stage of its development

On track to start next month, developers are due to begin the second stage of re-vamping Leeds city rail station main entrance and surrounding area. 

With work on the station having been underway since May 2022, the Leeds Station Sustainable Travel Gateway scheme was launched to construct a more people-friendly environment which can accommodate growing rail passenger numbers and ensure people can enter and exit the station safely. 

So far, £46.1m is being invested into the project, which is being delivered by Leeds City Council on behalf of Network Rail as the landowner and in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

The improvement work set to begin in early March includes relocating the taxi rank outside of the station to Bishopgate Street, where there will be a well-lit shelter to enhance the public’s safety. Additionally, relocating will allow for kerb-side access which will help people in wheelchairs or assistance dogs. 

Developments will also include a new cycle hub being located at the station that will include electric charging points and storage for a vast number of different bikes. 

In keeping with the environment, environmental improvements are also set to transform Neville Street and Dark Neville Street including, road surface and pavement and elevation treatments and enhance lighting.

Along the lines of catering the new design to be safer for the general public, there are also plans to pedestrianise New Station Street, with outdoor seating, rest areas and landscaping.

Cllr James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council, said: ‘We are delighted to begin these improvements in earnest, creating a gateway to our city that meets the current and future needs of everyone who uses the station.

‘Our railway station plays a key role in the North of England’s rail connectivity, so it is vital that we provide a much better experience and capacity for station users as we prepare to welcome further investment in our region’s rail network including the Transpennine Route Upgrade and Northern Powerhouse Rail.’

The works are being delivered through the Combined Authority’s Transforming Cities Fund programme, which is aimed at making it easier for people to walk, cycle and use public transport.

Since securing planning permission for the scheme, the local authority and Network Rail have been working together to combine the Sustainable Travel Gateway scheme with a separate project which will see Network Rail reinforce the underground structure below New Station Street which supports much of the station above it. 

Image credit: Leeds City Council