Leeds £46m train station re-design ongoing as govt watchdog brands HS2 ‘unachievable’

Leeds train station is undergoing a £46m re-design that will see its entrance completely transformed within two years.

The station’s main entrance and surrounding area are set to be considerably improved, thanks to a huge funding input of £46.1m courtesy of Leeds Station Sustainable Travel Gateway.

Work has been taking place since 2022, and the updates are designed to ensure that the station can meet increased capacity demands.

Given the news on Sunday that the government’s own infrastructure watchdog has finally branded its long-drawn-out HS2 vision for the country’s rail future ‘unachievable’, many in the region are wondering what is being done to improve our railways.

With major improvement work at the station now underway, however, it’s more noticeable than ever – leading locals to wonder what, exactly, is going on, and when it will be finished.

New Station Street is to be pedestrianised, meaning the existing taxi rank will be relocated to Bishopgate Street accessible by two 21-passenger capacity lifts.

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Bus services, meanwhile, will be relocated to Boar Lane with walking routes complemented by comprehensive wayfinding displays.

Further new additions as part of the £46m upgrade, meanwhile, will include a new cycling hub at the station and the addition of new cycling infrastructure on Bishopgate Street and Neville Street.

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Environmental improvements are also pencilled in for the refurbishment, to future-proof the station and make it more sustainable for the next generation.

The deadline for completion is currently set for 2025, with improvements delivered by Leeds City Council in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Network Rail, via the Department for Transport’s Transforming Cities Fund.

Featured image – Geograph