The CGI photos showing what the railway station will look like when the work is finished makes it look like we're in for a real transformation.
Since March 2023, the Leeds Station Sustainable Travel Gateway scheme moved to work on Leeds Train Station, now we're six months in, with another two years of construction work ahead.
So what exactly is set to change during this time?
The proposed facelift will see the space outside the train station transition into a pedestrian-friendly space with additional cycle lanes and relocation of the taxi rank.
The plans form part of the the Leeds Station Sustainable Travel Gateway scheme, with a whopping £39.5 million investment dedicated to giving a refurb of the areas surrounding the station.
Initially it was reported that the work is expected to be completed in its entirety in early 2024, however Leeds City Council has now reported that work is due to be complete by September 2025.
Image: Leeds City Council
According to Leeds City Council, the new work on Leeds train station will include the following changes:
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 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.
The plans are due to be fully completed by September 2025.
From May 2023, the northern section of New Station Street from the station’s main entrance towards City Square will be closed to vehicles but pedrestrians will still be able to walk towards Boar Lane from the main entrance or northern entrance. During this time the taxi rank will begin its move to Princes Square. Currently Network Rail is liaising with private hire and hackney carriage services with details of the arrangements.
Image: Leeds City Council
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.”
You can read more about the plans to develop the area surrounding Leeds train station, and the rest of the Leeds Station Sustainable Travel Gateway scheme here.
Feature Image- Leeds City Council
Leeds
Leeds United is home to one of the Premier League’s cheapest stadium pints, new data reveals
Leeds United fans looking for a crisp pre-match pint, you're in luck.
Why? Because new data has revealed Leeds United as one of the Premier League clubs offering the cheapest pints in their stadium
And it's all down to credit card provider Zable, who analysed the average price of a pint at every Premier League stadium.
You'll be glad to know that Leeds United ranked a very respectable eighth among the Premier League teams with the cheapest pre-match pints, with fans paying an average £5.60 at Elland Road.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
However, supporters can currently get a cheaper drink at pubs around the stadium, where the average pint costs £4.74.
Ipswich Town have the cheapest pint at £3.50, followed by Coventry at £3.60 and Hull City at £3.90.
The top 10 cheapest stadium match day pints:
Ipswich (£3.50)
Coventry (£3.60)
Hull City (£3.90)
Liverpool (£4.80)
Sunderland (£5.00)
Everton (£5.50)
Newcastle United (£5.60)
Leeds United (£5.60)
Bournemouth (£5.60)
Brighton & Hove Albion (£5.80)
Adam McAllister at Zable says: "For many fans, grabbing a pint before kick-off is part and parcel of the matchday experience, but our research shows that where you choose to drink can make a noticeable difference to the price. While stadium pints are often assumed to be more expensive, that's not always the case.
"With the cost of attending football continuing to add up, from tickets and travel to food and drinks, small differences like these can make a real impact on the overall cost of a matchday. Taking a little time to compare prices before heading to the stadium this season could help fans make their money go further, whether they choose to have a pint at the pub or inside the ground."
Leeds Bradford Airport workers to strike over half term, as industrial action escalates in dispute over pay
Clementine Hall
Strikes by almost 130 workers at Leeds Bradford Airport are set to escalate.
If you're planning on catching a flight from Leeds Bradford Airport, then you may want to double check the date.
Last week it was announced that workers were set to strike and bring the airport to complete standstill in a dispute over pay.
Today it has been announced that thestrikes are set to escalate and a second set of strikes have been announced.
The Unite members planning on going on strike are a mixture of air traffic control workers, customer experience staff, security staff and cleaners.
The workers involved in the dispute have recently come out of a four-year pay deal, with some of the departments having fallen behind other airports in equivalent roles.
Pay talks have been happening since December 2025, with the airport's formal offer not going far enough to address the lack of pay parity.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "It is wrong that workers at Leeds Bradford Airport are paid far less than those doing the same job at another nearby airport.
"These are essential workers who play a vital role in ensuring the smooth running of the airport and the safety of passengers and deserve fair pay. Unite will always fully back our members taking action at Leeds Bradford Airport.”
The original strikes were due to take place from 03:00 this Friday 16 October to 06:00 Sunday 18 October for hourly paid staff and from 06:00 Friday 16 October to 06:00 Sunday 18 October for air traffic control workers.
The next round of industrial action will now take place from Monday 23 October to Wednesday 2 November, which coincides with the busy half term period.
Unite regional officer Neil Whitaker said: “We appreciate those travelling to and from Leeds Bradford Airport will be concerned to hear that there are further strike dates, but the situation is completely the fault of the airport’s management. It can end this dispute, but that relies on it coming back to the table with a fair deal for our members.”
Sophie Smith -
20th September 2023 
