Railway station entrance scheme delayed further

A much-delayed scheme to transform the entrance to Leeds station will begin opening next month, the city's council has said.

The Leeds Station Sustainable Travel Gateway was initially due to be completed in autumn 2025, before being pushed back to summer 2026 and then again to September.

The £46.1m project will create more pedestrian-friendly streets, a new taxi rank and better facilities for storing bikes.

Leader of Leeds City Council James Lewis said: "I know it's taken time, however, Leeds City Station is built on a massive and historic set of Victorian brick arches which need maintaining."

The scheme has been built at the same time a Network Rail project to reinforce the underground structure below New Station Street, which supports much of the station above it.

"Combining the works has seen a significant feat of engineering which has ensured value for money and reduced disruption for passengers and the city compared to delivering two schemes separately and at different times," a council spokesperson said.

The spokesperson said the public realm area and steps between Bishopgate Street and New Station Street could open in "early to mid-October".

The lifts between New Station Street and Bishopgate Street are expected to open in mid-October, allowing the taxi rank to relocate to the latter from Princes Square at the rear of the station.

The cycle hub lifts are expected to open in late October.

Lewis said: "The station gateway scheme will create a safer and more welcoming and accessible environment for everyone using the station's main entrance.

"We have seen a real rise in the number of people catching the train to and from Leeds and the facilities need to keep pace."

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