Emerging proposals unveiled for landmark Leeds rail project

More details about the proposed transformation of Leeds train station to accommodate the arrival of HS2 and create a ‘Yorkshire Hub’ have been revealed. Early estimates suggest investment of more than £500m is required for the landmark project which is expected to create many thousands of jobs. The ‘Leeds Integrated Station’ masterplan intends to develop a ‘destination station’ and ‘world class’ transport hub that celebrates travel and the unique aspects of the city and integrates national, regional and local transport modes.The plans, set out by Leeds City Council working with partners including HS2 Ltd, Network Rail, West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Transport for the North, Department for Transport and the Department of Communities and Local Government, are set to be discussed by Leeds City Council’s executive board on 18 October 2017.Early estimates are that the investment required to achieve the vision detailed in the masterplan are more than £500m.A consortium of experts including the lead architect behind the redevelopment of King’s Cross Station in London were appointed to the Leeds Station remodelling project, which is expected to help create thousands of jobs, in late 2016.The plans propose the creation of a station campus that would become a national destination and incorporate a new three million sq ft centre for commercial, residential and leisure activities across parts of South Bank.A common concourse to ensure a seamless interchange between HS2 and the current station is envisaged, while it is also proposed that a new roof be scoped to reflect the new station footprint and provide opportunities for more lighting across the station.Entrances at City Square and Bishopgate Street would be transformed and act as principal entrances to the station and would become predominantly pedestrian spaces, with general through traffic removed.New Station Street would be pedestrianised and existing structures removed to extend the space along to Bishopgate Street creating a new piece of major public realm at the front of the station.Three entrances would be proposed in the South Bank, with an entrance onto Sovereign Square and the new City Centre Park and a central HS2 entrance is proposed along a new pedestrian route, linking Temple Works to Leeds Dock.The plans also include proposals that the Dark Arches are transformed into new retail and leisure spaces.The council is also suggesting that provision is made for additional platforms to meet demand, next to platform 1.Leeds City Council and partners hope Leeds Station can become a key national landmark and transport interchange featuring high-speed rail, as well as being a pivotal regeneration and economic driver and asset for the city and region. The redevelopment of the station is expected to create approximately 13,000 jobs in Leeds.The station is currently used by more than 100,000 passengers a day, with numbers forecast to more than double over the next 30 years reaching a level similar to Gatwick Airport.In July, the government reaffirmed its support for Phase 2 of HS2 and confirmed the preferred route for the full Y network. Subject to parliamentary scrutiny, construction is scheduled to commence in 2023 with train services to Leeds and Manchester commencing in 2033.In a report to be scrutinised by the council’s executive board, HS2 is described as “much more than just a transport project” and is expected to act as a “catalyst for wider regeneration”, improve regional connectivity to towns and cities across the North and create opportunities for businesses and supply chains.The emerging Leeds City Region HS2 Growth Strategy, to be submitted by WYCA, will set out the actions and projects to maximise the growth opportunities across the city region.Delivery of the station vision will be taken forward by Network Rail (current station) and HS2 with collaboration on the points where integration between the services takes place.Major investment in the station is already underway, as seen by the southern entrance which opened last year and the private investment by Bruntwood in redeveloping the Platform building next to the main station entrance.