'Leeds deserves a station matching its status': Station plans spark reaction from rail chiefs and city leaders

Leeds station’s major transformation plans have been welcomed by rail bosses, industry leaders and city councillors.

Yesterday’s Budget unveiled an extra £200m to rejuvenate the station in a move branded the “the biggest transformation in a generation”.

The works will increase the capacity of the station, which is expected to grow by approximately 12 million passengers by 2043, and rejuvenate it with a sleek and modern concourse.

The Department for Transport announced that passengers will benefit from more direct routes through the station and smaller queues due to nearly 40 per cent more ticket barriers that will make journeys easier.

Network Rail have today confirmed a series of changes included in the plans, such as the installation of a fifth entrance on Neville Street, a new walkway across the tracks, a first-class lounge, as well as moving the ticket barriers to avoid bottlenecks. Renovations will begin later on this year.

Chief Executive of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, Henri Murrison, said: “The funding announced for Leeds station will improve the experience for passengers and help manage the significant expected growth in demand which TransPennine’s Route Upgrade will further encourage.”

Northern Rail added: “Northern welcomes the announcement and wider rail investment in the North.”

At present, 27 million passengers pass through the barriers at Leeds every year, with eight in 10 services in West Yorkshire starting or ending at the transport hub.

The funding is a wider part of the Great British Railways unit which was established in November 2025 by the Labour government under Sir Keir Starmer.

Meanwhile, Eddie Dempsey, General Secretary of the RMT Union, welcomed the government’s investment in Leeds station. He said: “Investment in rail supports economic growth, with evidence showing that every £1 spent on rail generates £2.50 in the wider economy.

“Improving and upgrading the railway will also support a modal shift to sustainable public transport at a time when transport remains the highest emitting sector of greenhouse gases.”

He added that ultimately, improvements should “support passenger safety, security, accessibility, and service.”

Leeds City Council also expressed its full support for the project, citing its role in strengthening Leeds as a hub for West Yorkshire.

Councillor Tom Hinchcliffe, Executive Member for Transport and Planning, said: “This investment will be another hugely positive step towards ensuring Leeds has a modern train station that’s fit for the future and which the city can be proud of.

“Working closely with our partners, we have already been making great strides towards improving the station, but with passenger numbers set to increase massively over the coming years, more investment is crucial.

“Leeds deserves a train station that matches the city’s status.”