Leeds City Council has announced that works on upgrading the Leeds City Rail Station will begin next month as part of a £46.1m renovation scheme.
The Leeds Station Sustainable Travel Gateway scheme is intended to improve the stations to introduce a more people-friendly environment to accommodate growing rail passenger numbers.
The upgrades are being delivered by Leeds City Council on behalf of Network Rail as the landowner, and in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
Preparations have been underway since last May, with construction works beginning in March on changes, including:
- 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 Bishopgate Street, where there will be a shelter and room for six vehicles, also allowing for kerb-side boarding to support wheelchair users or assistance dogs to board more easily
- 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
- 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, and improvements to cycling infrastructure in surrounding communities.
Helen Hayden, councillor and Leeds City Council’s executive member for infrastructure and climate, said: “These works complement our ongoing transformation of City Square and will create a safer and people-friendly environment, not only improving access to the station but also building better links between the existing city centre and the wider South Bank.”
The council hopes that, by delivering the two schemes in tandem, there will be less disruption in the long-term to passengers and local residents.
Tracy Brabin, mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “Leeds City Rail Station is one of the busiest in the country – it’s a gateway to a vibrant city, as well as many destinations across our region and beyond.”
“Growing our economy, connecting more people with opportunities and tackling the climate emergency are at the heart of making West Yorkshire an even better place to live and work, and these improvements are key to that.”