Multi-million-pound Leeds City Rail Station transformation reaches new phase

As part of the ongoing transformation of Leeds City Rail Station’s main entrance and surrounding area, the northern section of New Station Street (from the station’s main entrance to City Square) will be closed to pedestrians from August 24.

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.

Delivering the two schemes in tandem will lead to less disruption in the long-term and also provides value for money by reducing the need to revisit the Sustainable Travel Gateway scheme at a later date to undertake the strengthening works. Work has been underway since last May on the project, which upon completion in l 2025 will see:

• Pedestrianising New Station Street, including the section which meets Boar Lane, with outdoor seating, rest areas, and landscaping.
• Relocating the existing taxi rank to Bishopsgate Street where there will be a large and well-lit shelter and room for six vehicles, also allowing for kerb-side boarding which will help people with wheelchairs 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 high-quality 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 high quality cycle infrastructure on Bishopgate Street and Neville Street, and improvements to cycling infrastructure in surrounding communities.

Councillor Helen Hayden, executive member for sustainable development and infrastructure, commented: “It is fantastic news that the work is now underway in earnest delivering Network Rail’s 500 bike storage area in the Mill Goit area and the creation of a gateway to our city that meets the current and future needs of Leeds and everyone that uses the station.

“I would encourage everyone that uses Leeds City Rail Station to plan ahead and allow additional time for their journeys and thank them and local businesses for bearing with us as the works are conducted.

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

By Matthew Neville – Senior Correspondent, Bdaily

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