‘It’s something we’re all looking forward to’: Leeds businesses react to station entrance delay

Leeds City Station entrance works have been delayed again, with work on the New Station Street entrance now expected to begin in early to mid-October.

The project was initially due to be completed in autumn 2025, before being pushed back to summer 2026 and then again to September.

The latest delay means businesses around the station are facing further disruption as they wait for the long-running redevelopment to be completed.

After the news was announced, we went down to the city centre to get the views of local businesses and commuters.

Rudy’s Pizzeria is situated on New Station Street and, for around six months, was surrounded by scaffolding and construction work, leaving the restaurant largely obstructed from view.

Alex Warren, deputy manager at Rudy’s Leeds, told the Yorkshire Evening Post: “The train station renewals have been ongoing since I’ve been here and I’m the longest serving member of staff.”

However, he said the impact on local businesses down New Station Street has not been entirely negative.

“It has ended up driving more footfall down this direction because of the fact you couldn’t go out towards the Queens Hotel,” he told us.

“But what you are driving people towards is a bit of an eyesore.”

Despite the disruption, Alex praised the communication between businesses and Leeds City Council throughout the project. But he said the latest delay has come as no surprise, and that businesses are looking forward to the entrance’s completion.

“I think the main thing is as a visitor to Leeds, it’s your first impression of the city and when it’s unfinished, it’s a bit unwelcoming,” he said.

The Brewery Tap, another business on New Station Street, has also experienced changes in footfall throughout the works.

Thomas Newton, a member of staff at the bar, said the street has been busy while other station entrances have been closed, as people were directed towards the area.

“The street itself has been busy while the other entrances have not been opened, but as they’ve opened, we’re now starting to suffer,” he told us.

As the work is now just weeks away from completion, commuters outside the railway station were largely positive about the transformation.

“It looks so much better than it did before, it is nice to have a place to sit out here for once,” commuter Faye said.

“I am disabled and I need to sit down, it can be really hard to find benches sometimes, so this is a bonus.”

A Leeds City Council spokesperson said:

"Leeds has seen a real rise in the number of rail passengers in recent years, so the station gateway scheme is vitally important in creating a safer, more welcoming and accessible environment for everyone using the station's main entrance, so we can continue accommodating this growth. Over the next 20 years, passenger numbers are projected to increase from around 30 million to 50 million a year, highlighting the importance of investing in the station and its surrounding area now.

"The pedestrianisation of New Station Street should also help boost footfall and trade in the area. We have engaged with businesses throughout the delivery of the scheme and have provided a range of support, including helping a number of New Station Street businesses to successfully apply for street café licences.

"As we move closer to the expected completion of the scheme in October, we thank businesses, residents and visitors for their patience."

The latest delay means businesses on New Station Street will now have to wait a little longer to see the finished entrance, with hopes that the completed scheme will bring a more welcoming gateway into the city.