Timeline set for Leeds gateway infrastructure schemes
As part of the next stage in the transformation of the Leeds City railway station’s main entrance and surrounds, New Station Street will be closed for structural reinforcements.
New Station Street will close from Friday 19 May to all traffic (except service vehicles and emergency services), with the station taxi rank moving to Princes Square.
Friday 19 May will also see the northern section of New Station Street, from the station’s main entrance towards City Square, closed to pedestrians to allow works to be carried out.
The closure is part of Network Rail’s Mill Goit Works which will see Network Rail reinforce the underground structure below New Station Street.
In parallel, progress is being made on the £46.1m Leeds Station Sustainable Travel Gateway scheme, a project aimed at creating a more people-friendly environment.
This project is being delivered by Leeds City Council on behalf of Network Rail as the landowner, and in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
Advance works and preparations have been underway since May 2022, with the project now moving into the next phase which upon completion in September 2025 will see:
- The pedestrianisation of New Station Street, including the section which meets Boar Lane, with outdoor seating and rest areas, and landscaping
- Relocating the existing taxi rank to Bishopsgate Street where there will be a large and well-lit shelter and room for six vehicles, also allowing for more accessible kerbside boarding
- Two 21-passenger lifts from Bishopgate Street to the station entrance on New Station Street, providing step-free access between the two streets.
- A cycle hub at the station, which will include electric charging points and storage for all types of cycles.
- Environmental improvements to Neville Street and Dark Neville Street including enhanced lighting, road surface and pavement and elevation treatments.
- Installing cycling infrastructure on Bishopgate Street and Neville Street, and improvements to cycling infrastructure in surrounding communities.
Cllr Helen Hayden, executive member for infrastructure and climate at LCC, said: “It is fantastic news that the work is now underway in earnest delivering Network Rail’s Mill Goit Works and the creation of a gateway to our city that meets the current and future needs of Leeds and everyone that uses the station.
“I would encourage everyone that uses Leeds City Rail Station to plan ahead and allow additional time for their journeys and thank them and local businesses for bearing with us as the works are conducted.
“The schemes on completion will complement the ongoing transformation of City Square and will create a safer and people friendly environment whilst increasing the capacity of the station and developing better links between the city centre and the wider Southbank.”
The Sustainable Travel Gateway scheme is being delivered through the Combined Authority’s Transforming Cities Fund programme, which is aimed at making it easier for people to walk, cycle and use public transport.
