How redesign of Leeds station entrance could change the city and when it will be completed
The highly-anticipated revamp of Leeds City Station is set to be completed in the first half of 2026.
Works, which are designed to meet rising capacity demands, will see the pedestrianisation of New Station Street, the relocation of the existing taxi rank to Bishopgate Street, and the installation of two 21-passenger lifts from Bishopgate street-level to the main station entrance.
Originally due to be completed by September 2025, the £46.1 million scheme is now set to be completed by the Spring of 2026 following delays - as exclusively revealed by the Yorkshire Evening Post in October.
Pictures taken taken by the YEP show the station’s new front steps beginning to take shape, while the main clock tower and lift shafts are also being installed.
“The completion date remains Spring 2026 for the Leeds Station Sustainable Travel Gateway and Mill Goit Projects which form Phase 1 of Leeds Integrated Station Masterplan.” a Leeds City Council spokesperson confirmed, although they aren’t yet in a position to provide a more definitive date of completion.
Underway since May 2022, the redesign is being carried out in tandem with essential Network Rail-led maintenance work on an underground structure - known as the Mill Goit - which sits below New Station Street and supports much of the station above it.
The decision to carry out both works at the same time was designed to minimise longer-term disruption while also obtaining the best possible value for money. 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 is set be installed on Neville Street, Dark Neville Street and Bishopgate - aimed at improving cycling links to surrounding communities, while environmental improvements, including enhanced lighting and road surface treatments, will also take place.