Businesses breathe ‘sigh of relief’ as Leeds Station’s entrance finally opens after years of disruption

Leeds City Station’s long-awaited new entrance has finally opened in full, bringing an end to four years of construction work which has disrupted passengers and businesses across the city centre.

The £41.6m redevelopment began in 2022 and was originally expected to be completed in September 2025, but has faced multiple delays.

Leeds City Council confirmed on November 9 that passengers could now use the steps at New Station Street, with previously reported issues surrounding the lifts connected to Bishopgate Street also resolved.

While passengers have welcomed the finished entrance, nearby businesses are hoping its completion will mark a fresh start after years of disruption.

Hafiya Oppedal, owner of independent opticians Eye Room on Mill Hill, said the construction work had significantly reduced the number of people passing her shop.

She told the Yorkshire Evening Post: “We’ve had less footfall because people have been redirected to other streets as opposed to coming down here, so that has been fairly stressful.”

She added that road diversions and building work had sometimes made the shop appear closed, discouraging potential customers.

However, she is optimistic that the finished entrance will bring more people back to the area.

“It’s a sigh of relief that it is finally finished and that people who come to visit Leeds can explore this street,” she said.

Further down on Bishopgate Street, Meat:Stack has also felt the impact of the length project.

Callan Hornsby, the restaurant’s general manager, said the barriers and railings outside had made it difficult for customers to find their way in.

He told the YEP: “We’ve been hit hard by the disruption the last few years, not only from the fencing, but also letting people know that we’re here as a lot of the time we’ve looked closed.”

The restaurant had planned a breakfast event ahead of the expected opening on November 7, hoping to benefit from increased footfall during the Leeds United game, but another delay meant it missed out.

Callan said the team was shocked when they discovered the entrance had officially opened.

He added: “It’s probably the best thing that’s going to happen to this place, so hopefully it’s just going to boost business.

“We’ve been waiting for this for three years.”

Passengers have also welcomed the changes, with some saying the finished entrance was worth the wait.

Kathryn Levi and Jean Elvin, who visit Leeds two or three times a year, said they had become used to seeing the construction work.

University students Lily Grace and Sophie Crawford, who regularly commute into Leeds, said the improvements had made their journeys easier.

Lily said: “I think the train station looks great, it’s more accessible and there’s less overcrowding now. It makes it a much smoother commute for us.”

Sophie added: “It didn’t look nice with all the building equipment there, but I do think it has been worth it as it looks a lot more modern.”

Angie, who has lived in the city all her life, said that Leeds deserves a really good train station.

She said: “I’ve always been quite underwhelmed by Leeds train station, it’s the first impression the city gives.

“We deserve a really good train station, and I think it has been well worth the wait.”

She added that the wider entrance and additional staircases could encourage more people to visit nearby bars and businesses, bringing a positive impact to the area.

Leeds City Council previously explained to the Yorkshire Evening Post that the project had been delayed due to an issue with one of the lifts.

A council spokesperson said: “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,” an authority spokesperson said.

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