Leeds South Bank plans rubber-stamped, finalising £500m transformation of train station

Major plans to develop the South Bank in Leeds city centre have been formally adopted by Leeds City Council, paving the way for a £500m renovation of the train station in the city (21st August).The South Bank regeneration, ambitious plans which aims to double the size and economic impact of Leeds city centre by delivering 35,000 jobs and 8,000 new homes, was given the rubber stamp yesterday— meaning the principles in the South Bank Leeds Regeneration Framework will be formally recognised and followed in planning terms as a ‘Supplementary Planning Document’.Amongst the plans is a £500m cost of transforming Leeds train station, as well as a new city park that will be part of the major development plans which will stretch 253 hectares across Leeds city centre.It is hoped the renovation to Leeds Station will create a transport hub that will accommodate HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail in the coming years. The integrated station will aim to be “one of the most used and important transport interchanges in the entire country,” according to the proposal’s planning framework.The framework added: “Leeds council is now part of the team delivering an integrated long term-plan and design solution for Leeds Station. The solution seeks to integrate HS2, Northern Powerhouse Rail, the TransPennine and Northern franchise commitments, capacity improvements to the existing network, and improved concourse areas and interfaces with surrounding streets and public realm.“The Leeds HS2 Station will act as a catalyst for development of the area around the new station and will be a gateway for the entire region and nation,” the framework noted.The regeneration framework also said the station will be able to handle the massive influx of passenger passing through the city: it is predicted that Leeds Statin will be busier than London Gatwick Airport currently is, with a 143% passenger growth forecast. Not only this, but the HS2 connection to regions in Leeds, Sheffield, Nottingham, and Birmingham into an economic zone comprising of over 10 million people.