New images of how the re-modeled Leeds Station could look have been revealed.
Bew images of how the remodelled Leeds Station could look have been revealed.
Images of how the re-modeled Leeds Station could look as a result of the Leeds Integrated Station Masterplan have been released.
The Masterplan provides a blueprint for making the station into an internationally significant gateway hub integrating national, regional and local transport services with HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail.
The computer-generated images show how with new platforms, entrances, landscaping, a new footbridge and roof and a new central common concourse, the station, which is already the north of England�s busiest transport hub could be transformed. External landscaping and the creation of a surrounding station campus would create opportunities for commercial, residential and leisure developments.
Seamless interchange
HS2, Northern Powerhouse Rail and existing rail services, would also be connected in the central common concourse via an overbridge. This would mean seamless interchange for people changing trains, with the increased capacity and high-speed rail services resulting in huge increases in passenger and user numbers for the station.
A new front entrance and adjoining landscaping work would create a world-class main gateway entrance to Leeds, while another entrance would provide direct access to Leeds South Bank, the largest regeneration project in Europe that will double the size and economic impact of Leeds city centre. Current city centre roads would be remodelled with adjoining streets and those under the station being pedestrianised. The Dark Arches would be transformed into new retail and leisure spaces.
Also contained in the station masterplan are proposals for a possible three million square feet of new commercial development around the station, with a further 75 � thousand square feet of interior leisure and retail space as part of the new concourse.
Leading global design
Led by development experts Atkins, a consortium of leading global design, engineering and project management consultants are working on the planning and design work for the remodelling of the station. They include Gensler�s lead for transport and infrastructure Hiro Aso, who was the lead architect behind the redevelopment of King�s Cross Station in London.
They are carrying out the work on behalf of the Leeds Station Board made up of Leeds City Council, Network Rail, HS2 Ltd, West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Transport for the North, Department for Transport and the Department of Communities and Local Government.
The remodelled Station forms part of Leeds City Region�s emerging HS2 Growth Strategy, highlighting how the region aims to work together and with the government to maximise the benefits of high-speed rail.
Catalyst
As well as improved journey times, rail capacity and connectivity, the Leeds City Region is committed to using new high-speed rail connectivity as a catalyst for job creation, education, and helping to tackle poverty in areas of deprivation. The Leeds Station development proposals reflect the pivotal role high-speed rail has a to play as an economic and regeneration driver for the city and wider region.
Between now and Saturday 9 December, Leeds City Council is asking for comments and feedback on the Masterplan proposals (opens in new tab).
Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, said:��These new images show what this northern gateway hub could look like and embody the City Region�s aspirations, that high-speed rail will transform our productivity and connectivity. Through this hub and the investment into improved transport links between our towns and cities and other parts of the UK; such as Northern Powerhouse Rail connecting Manchester, Bradford, Leeds and York.
�We will ensure that our talent can access the careers and opportunities of tomorrow, producing a tangible economic benefit which can lead to inclusive growth for all the people who live and work here.�
Distinct and welcoming
Leader of Leeds City Council Councillor Judith Blake said: �These fantastic new images of what Leeds Station could look like show not only its exciting future as a distinct and welcoming gateway to the city, but how important it is to get this right by putting people and the visitor experience at the heart of all the plans. It must provide a step-change not only for the future of transport and connectivity in our city and region, but also as a key economic driver for our future economy providing opportunities for all to benefit from through a clear people-first approach.
�The arrival of high-speed rail is essential to helping Leeds and the wider region fully realise its massive potential, and we hope by seeing these images and reading the report everyone can see the level of ambition we have for this project � Leeds deserves the best and that is our committed aim.�
Sir David Higgins, Chairman of HS2 Ltd, said:��It�s fantastic to see how much progress has been made since we first announced our plans to bring HS2 to Leeds. Working together with HS2 Ltd, the Leeds City Region, Network Rail and Transport for the North, Leeds has clearly seized the opportunity that high-speed rail represents both locally and regionally.
"HS2 presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity both to revitalise Leeds and, in the process, rebalance Britain. Leeds' plans live up to that level of ambition and will leave a legacy that the city and the region can be proud of for decades to come."
Unique opportunity
John Cridland, Chair of Transport for the North, said:��Working closely with our partners in the development of Leeds Integrated Station Masterplan has provided us with a unique opportunity to ensure that Leeds City Region is well-connected within the north. It�s vital that the future Northern Powerhouse Rail programme, as well as future local rail services, are reflected in the plans for HS2 infrastructure investment. With this station masterplan we are taking the first step towards creating a truly integrated transport hub, combining local, regional and high speed rail services, including our transformational Northern Powerhouse Rail programme.
�Northern Powerhouse Rail will provide faster and more frequent connections between Leeds and other major hubs in the north, transforming connectivity. Creating a shared vision for the future of Leeds station ensures that Leeds and the wider city region will get the most out of this major infrastructure investment, creating a fitting gateway for the vibrant city and providing a catalyst for future growth.�
Rob McIntosh, Route Managing Director for Network Rail, said:��We know that a world-class station has the potential to drive the transformation of the surrounding area, driving further investment and improving social opportunities for the community the station serves. That is why we are delighted to be partners in this exciting vision which will transform the city station to create a world-class gateway.
�The masterplan has a clear focus on the future and the arrival of HS2 but can be implemented in phases, bringing benefits to passengers and the city at each stage. We will be working closely with our partners, funders and stakeholders to secure the funding which will make this vision a reality.�
Mike McNicholas, Managing Director for Infrastructure at Atkins, said:��The Leeds Station district will be one of the largest integrated transport hubs in the UK. It will bring together HS2, the classic railway, buses, coaches and taxis into a single place enabling easier journeys between cities in the Northern Powerhouse and around Leeds itself. The bold vision for the district will ensure Leeds remains a key gateway to the north and surrounding areas.�
The Masterplan provides a blueprint for making the station into an internationally significant gateway hub integrating national, regional and local transport services with HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail.
The computer-generated images show how with new platforms, entrances, landscaping, a new footbridge and roof and a new central common concourse, the station, which is already the north of England�s busiest transport hub could be transformed. External landscaping and the creation of a surrounding station campus would create opportunities for commercial, residential and leisure developments.
Seamless interchange
HS2, Northern Powerhouse Rail and existing rail services, would also be connected in the central common concourse via an overbridge. This would mean seamless interchange for people changing trains, with the increased capacity and high-speed rail services resulting in huge increases in passenger and user numbers for the station.
A new front entrance and adjoining landscaping work would create a world-class main gateway entrance to Leeds, while another entrance would provide direct access to Leeds South Bank, the largest regeneration project in Europe that will double the size and economic impact of Leeds city centre. Current city centre roads would be remodelled with adjoining streets and those under the station being pedestrianised. The Dark Arches would be transformed into new retail and leisure spaces.
Also contained in the station masterplan are proposals for a possible three million square feet of new commercial development around the station, with a further 75 � thousand square feet of interior leisure and retail space as part of the new concourse.
Leading global design
Led by development experts Atkins, a consortium of leading global design, engineering and project management consultants are working on the planning and design work for the remodelling of the station. They include Gensler�s lead for transport and infrastructure Hiro Aso, who was the lead architect behind the redevelopment of King�s Cross Station in London.They are carrying out the work on behalf of the Leeds Station Board made up of Leeds City Council, Network Rail, HS2 Ltd, West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Transport for the North, Department for Transport and the Department of Communities and Local Government.
The remodelled Station forms part of Leeds City Region�s emerging HS2 Growth Strategy, highlighting how the region aims to work together and with the government to maximise the benefits of high-speed rail.
Catalyst
As well as improved journey times, rail capacity and connectivity, the Leeds City Region is committed to using new high-speed rail connectivity as a catalyst for job creation, education, and helping to tackle poverty in areas of deprivation. The Leeds Station development proposals reflect the pivotal role high-speed rail has a to play as an economic and regeneration driver for the city and wider region.
Between now and Saturday 9 December, Leeds City Council is asking for comments and feedback on the Masterplan proposals (opens in new tab).
Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, said:��These new images show what this northern gateway hub could look like and embody the City Region�s aspirations, that high-speed rail will transform our productivity and connectivity. Through this hub and the investment into improved transport links between our towns and cities and other parts of the UK; such as Northern Powerhouse Rail connecting Manchester, Bradford, Leeds and York.�We will ensure that our talent can access the careers and opportunities of tomorrow, producing a tangible economic benefit which can lead to inclusive growth for all the people who live and work here.�
Distinct and welcoming
Leader of Leeds City Council Councillor Judith Blake said: �These fantastic new images of what Leeds Station could look like show not only its exciting future as a distinct and welcoming gateway to the city, but how important it is to get this right by putting people and the visitor experience at the heart of all the plans. It must provide a step-change not only for the future of transport and connectivity in our city and region, but also as a key economic driver for our future economy providing opportunities for all to benefit from through a clear people-first approach.
�The arrival of high-speed rail is essential to helping Leeds and the wider region fully realise its massive potential, and we hope by seeing these images and reading the report everyone can see the level of ambition we have for this project � Leeds deserves the best and that is our committed aim.�
Sir David Higgins, Chairman of HS2 Ltd, said:��It�s fantastic to see how much progress has been made since we first announced our plans to bring HS2 to Leeds. Working together with HS2 Ltd, the Leeds City Region, Network Rail and Transport for the North, Leeds has clearly seized the opportunity that high-speed rail represents both locally and regionally.
"HS2 presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity both to revitalise Leeds and, in the process, rebalance Britain. Leeds' plans live up to that level of ambition and will leave a legacy that the city and the region can be proud of for decades to come."
Unique opportunity
John Cridland, Chair of Transport for the North, said:��Working closely with our partners in the development of Leeds Integrated Station Masterplan has provided us with a unique opportunity to ensure that Leeds City Region is well-connected within the north. It�s vital that the future Northern Powerhouse Rail programme, as well as future local rail services, are reflected in the plans for HS2 infrastructure investment. With this station masterplan we are taking the first step towards creating a truly integrated transport hub, combining local, regional and high speed rail services, including our transformational Northern Powerhouse Rail programme.
�Northern Powerhouse Rail will provide faster and more frequent connections between Leeds and other major hubs in the north, transforming connectivity. Creating a shared vision for the future of Leeds station ensures that Leeds and the wider city region will get the most out of this major infrastructure investment, creating a fitting gateway for the vibrant city and providing a catalyst for future growth.�
Rob McIntosh, Route Managing Director for Network Rail, said:��We know that a world-class station has the potential to drive the transformation of the surrounding area, driving further investment and improving social opportunities for the community the station serves. That is why we are delighted to be partners in this exciting vision which will transform the city station to create a world-class gateway.
�The masterplan has a clear focus on the future and the arrival of HS2 but can be implemented in phases, bringing benefits to passengers and the city at each stage. We will be working closely with our partners, funders and stakeholders to secure the funding which will make this vision a reality.�
Mike McNicholas, Managing Director for Infrastructure at Atkins, said:��The Leeds Station district will be one of the largest integrated transport hubs in the UK. It will bring together HS2, the classic railway, buses, coaches and taxis into a single place enabling easier journeys between cities in the Northern Powerhouse and around Leeds itself. The bold vision for the district will ensure Leeds remains a key gateway to the north and surrounding areas.�