And finally… Light at the end of the tunnel
It wouldn’t be a railway project without a delay, and after years of roadworks, diversions, and a few murmurings from commuters, Network Rail has finally confirmed that the main entrance to Leeds City Station will open in September.
The £46.1m Leeds Station Gateway, along with the new taxi rank on Bishopgate Street, is now expected to complete around a year later than originally planned, after work began on the scheme began in 2022.
By the time the barriers come down, the project will have transformed the station’s southern entrance with wider pedestrian routes, improved public space, secure cycle facilities, electric bike charging, outdoor seating, and lift access between the station entrance and taxi rank.
The lengthy programme has become something of a local talking point, with motorists navigating temporary traffic arrangements and commuters watching completion dates come and go.
The temporary drop-off zone has also attracted criticism, with drivers complaining about congestion and receiving fines during the construction period.
Even the ‘Leeds Railway Station’ sign on the roof has come under scrutiny, with eagle-eyed commuters pointing out that the letter ‘d’ bears more than a passing resemblance to an upside down ‘p’.
The delays have been attributed to the complexity of the engineering works, including the demolition of the former cycle hub and rotunda steps, the removal of 13 steel beams weighing up to 40 tonnes each, and maintenance work on the underground Mill Goit watercourse beneath the site.
