Leeds station entrance opens after four-year wait

The remodelled Leeds railway station entrance has now opened, four years after work on the project first began.

The £46.1m scheme began in 2022 and included pedestrianising many of the streets around the station, a new taxi rank, the introduction of passenger lifts and also steps between New Station Street and Bishopgate Street.

The project was delayed multiple times and was initially due to be completed in autumn last year, before being pushed back to summer this year and then again to September.

Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin thanked the public for their patience with the long-running works.

"After years of complex engineering works, it's fantastic to see this project open to the public," she said.

"Leeds Station is the front door to West Yorkshire and we thank people for their patience throughout this transformation, which creates a more welcoming and accessible gateway for residents, commuters and visitors."

The joint programme between Leeds City Council, Network Rail and West Yorkshire Combined Authority also included essential maintenance to the station's underground support structure.

Initial planning work on the project began in 2022 and physical engineering work started in May 2023.

Leeds City Council's leader James Lewis said the station would provide a "welcoming gateway for the many millions of passengers travelling into our city".

According to the council, more than 27 million passengers travel through the station every year.

"It is fundamental that we have a station that is not only easily able to meet current demand but is also fit for the future," he said.

"We have worked in close partnership with groups from across our city to ensure that these new facilities provide a much-improved experience, which is more pedestrian friendly and allows people to board taxis much more safely."

Last month it was announced the station would receive an extra £200m for a new central overbridge, three additional entrances, expanded concourses and an extension to Platform 14.

The three new entrances, which are hoped to improve connections between the station and the city centre, include the South Bank, Dark Arches and Princes Square.

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