Exclusive:Opening of redesigned Leeds station entrance hit by further delays due to 'complex' installation

The £46.1 million scheme, which aims to significantly improve the main entrance of Leeds City Station, is now touted for a Summer 2026 opening - the Yorkshire Evening Post can exclusively confirm.

Originally due to be completed by September 2025, the opening was first delayed until February 2026 and then later again to Spring 2026.

The hold-up comes as a result of the complex installation of a high voltage connection to the station.

“Work is continuing to progress at New Station Street and the surrounding area, with the recent installation of steps to the front of the building and two 21-passenger lifts from Bishopgate street-level to the main station entrance,” a Leeds City Council spokesperson said.

“This complex series of works have also included critical maintenance by Network Rail to the station’s underground structure, known as the Mill Goit, which supports the station structure above it. The complex installation of a high voltage connection to the station means the completion date for the work is now estimated to be summer 2026.”

The decision to carry out work on both the station’s entrance and underground, Mill Goit, structure at the same time was designed to minimise longer-term disruption while also obtaining the best possible value for money.

Underway since May 2022, the work is being delivered by Leeds City Council, on behalf of Network Rail as the landowner, in partnership with West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

A segregated cycling infrastructure, set be installed on Neville Street, Dark Neville Street and Bishopgate, plus environmental improvements, including enhanced lighting and road surface treatments, will also take place.