Leeds

Leeds railway station reopening delayed AGAIN due to problems with lift

Right...

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall - 3rd November 2026

The highly anticipated opening of Leeds City Station's new entrance has been further delayed.

The £46.1m Leeds Station Sustainable Travel Gateway has been in the works since 2022, with the original target for completion set for autumn 2025.

That date subsequently slipped to summer 2026, then September, then October, and now...well who knows?

This time, Leeds City Council have confirmed that the problem is to do with the lifts that connect New Station Street and Bishopgate.

Image: The Hoot Leeds

These lifts will allow the ever so turbulent taxi rank to move from the temporary arrangement at the rear of the station to its new home on Bishopgate Street.

A Leeds City Council spokesperson said on the recent setback: "Having opened the pavement along Bishopgate Street and sections of New Station Street, unfortunately we have encountered an issue with one of the lifts, which is delaying essential safety testing from being completed.

"We are working to resolve this as soon as possible so we can open the final parts of the scheme imminently."

When it does finally open, there should be plenty to like. The scheme is designed to make the area around the station more pedestrian-friendly, with improved public space, wider walking routes, better cycling facilities, a new cycle hub and step-free access between Bishopgate Street and New Station Street.

The taxi rank will also move to Bishopgate Street, with a new shelter and kerbside boarding.

So, after years of barriers, diversions, temporary arrangements, engineering works and at least one deeply controversial letter (lest we forget 'Welcome to Leeps') the end is apparently in sight.

We'll keep you updated with any updates and opening date of the new station, but we wouldn't hold your breath if the last couple of months are anything to go by.

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Featured image - The Hoot Leeds

Leeds

Architects secure planning permission for jaw-dropping ‘boulder house’ on Ilkley Moor

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

A house that looks good enough for James Bond is set to be built on Ilkley Moor.

Is that a formation of angular grey rocks sitting atop of the Yorkshire dales? No, it's a house.

The wildly contemporary structure, which has huge irregular-shaped windows and a natural outdoor pool, is based off the famous Cow and Calf Rocks in Ilkley, West Yorkshire.

It will be built just down the road from them too, on green belt land which is the garden of a home off Heber's Ghyll Drive.

Images: Shaw & Jagger Architects

It is the work of Harrogate-based architects Shaw & Jagger, who said the project was passed through the country house clause which allows things to be built on green belt for buildings of "exceptional quality".

The house itself has been named 'Fomorian', after a supernatural race of giants in Irish mythology. The name takes inspiration from the mythical giant Rombald who is said to have roamed on Ilkley Moor.

Images: Shaw & Jagger Architects

Shaw & Jagger wrote: "The design approach was to propose a scheme that is intrinsically linked to the spirit of its place. Fomorian is of its place, part of the Moors, its geology and its spirit.

"We took cues from local folklore, the surrounding rocks; ancient carvings, standing stones and escarpments that are synonymous with the landscape.

"The building depicts a series of monolithic elements embedded in the earth as the wild, dramatic environment looms around, attempting to overcome them. The building is new, yet part of this ancient landscape.

Images: Shaw & Jagger Architects

"Fomorian is to be built over the next couple of years and will provide family accommodation consisting of 4 bedrooms, kitchen, dining room, sitting room and study.

"It was important to offer the client viable outside space therefore a paved courtyard garden allows external living to be within the heart of the plan. The abstract rock forms allow the design to have exciting internal spaces with large irregular windows designed to maximise views out across the valley."

Read more: Leeds railway station reopening delayed AGAIN due to problems with lift

Featured image - Shaw & Jagger Architects



Leeds

Leeds United to pay tribute to fan who tragically died after medical emergency at match

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

Leeds United have issued a statement regarding their tribute to a fan who has sadly passed away.

Colin Westby was watching the game against Manchester United at Elland Road on Sunday 18 October when suddenly he became ill and was taken to hospital.

The 68-year-old was then placed into a medically induced coma but after a period of 'unresponsiveness', the difficult decision was made to stop life support.

Colin was a huge Leeds United fan, and attended matches for over 50 years as a Season Ticket Holder of the club.

Leeds United have issued a statement showing their support, and have confirmed they will be holding a tribute to Colin.

The statement posted on Leeds United's social media is as follows: "Leeds United are heartbroken to learn of the passing of supporter Colin Westby at the age of 68.

"Colin suffered a medical emergency ahead of our Premier League fixture with Manchester United on Sunday 18 October at Elland Road.

"After being transferred to hospital, he was placed into a medically induced coma and sadly following a period of unresponsiveness, the decision was made to withdraw life support.

"Colin was a long-standing Season Ticket Holder at the club, attending matches for over 50 years. The thoughts of everyone at Leeds United are with Colin’s family and friends at this sad time.

"We will pay tribute to Colin in the 68th minute of our next Premier League fixture with Tottenham Hotspur, on Saturday 7 November."

Of course, in true Leeds United fashion, fellow flans flocked to the comments to pay their respects to Colin and express their support for his family.

You can see the statement here.

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Featured image - Leeds United

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