Leeds Station Gateway Set for October Opening

Major redevelopment of Leeds City Station entrance nears completion

The Leeds Station Sustainable Travel Gateway, a £46.1 million project aimed at improving accessibility and safety at the main entrance of Leeds City Station, is expected to begin opening in October 2026. The scheme is designed to create a more inviting space for passengers and support the increasing demand for rail travel in the city.

Project details and construction progress

Leeds City Council is delivering the project on behalf of Network Rail, in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority. Construction is entering its final stages, with the scheme being built concurrently with essential maintenance work by Network Rail to reinforce the underground structure beneath New Station Street. This structure supports much of the station above it.

Combining these two projects has been described as a significant engineering challenge but has resulted in cost savings and reduced disruption for both passengers and the city compared to completing the works separately.

Phased opening and key features

Network Rail, as the asset owner, will assume control of the completed scheme. However, discussions are ongoing to allow some parts of the development to open earlier than the full completion date. The public realm area and steps between Bishopgate Street and New Station Street could open in early to mid-October.

Work continues to install and test lifts that will provide step-free access between New Station Street and Bishopgate Street, as well as lifts for the cycle hub located beneath the station. These lifts are expected to open in mid to late October, with the following anticipated timeline:

• Mid-October: Lifts between New Station Street and Bishopgate Street open, enabling the taxi rank to relocate to Bishopgate Street from Princes Square.
• Late October: Cycle hub lifts become operational.

Statements from local officials

Councillor James Lewis, Leader of Leeds City Council, commented on the project’s significance, noting the historic nature of the station’s Victorian brick arches and the need for maintenance alongside the redevelopment. He emphasised the importance of the scheme in providing a safer, more accessible environment to accommodate the growing number of rail passengers.

Funding and further information

The project is funded through the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Transforming Cities Fund programme, which aims to promote walking, cycling, and public transport use.

For more details about the scheme, visit https://leedscitystation.commonplace.is/.