Leeds Station steps finally open as £46m transformation is completed
Leeds Station’s £46m transformation has been completed - meaning the much vaunted steps at the front of the station are finally open.
Work officially started in 2022 and were first delayed until February 2026, but the reopening has been since pushed back a further five times.
Pavements along Bishopgate Street, behind the new taxi shelter, opened at the beginning of October and the remainder of the works were due to follow by the end of the month.
However, issues with the lifts meant the full reopening did not take place until this morning (Nov 9).
The final safety hoardings and barriers were removed after required testing of the passenger lifts between New Station Street and Bishopgate Street.
The new taxi rank on Bishopgate Street is also being used from today, allowing hackney carriages to pick passengers up from there as well as the current location on Princes Square at the back of the station.
Councillor James Lewis, leader of Leeds Council, said: “"Leeds as a city is booming, and one of the truest indicators of our ongoing growth and appeal is the ever-rising number of people using our railway station. Currently, Leeds Station handles more than 27 million passengers a year, with footfall inside the station rising six percent year on year and is now busier than before COVID.
“It is fundamental that we have a station that is not only easily able to meet current demand but is also fit for the future, providing a welcoming gateway for the many millions of passengers travelling into our city.
“At the same time, it is vital that our station gateway is a safer and more accessible environment for everyone who uses it. We have worked in close partnership with groups from across our city to ensure that these new facilities provide a much-improved experience which is more pedestrian-friendly and allows people to board taxis much more safely.”
The work was funded by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority funded the scheme, and delivered by the council on behalf of Network Rail.
Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said: “After years of complex engineering works, it’s fantastic to see this project open to the public.
“Leeds Station is the front door to West Yorkshire, and we thank people for their patience throughout this transformation, which creates a more welcoming and accessible gateway for residents, commuters and visitors.
“As rail investment continues to come to our region, this project will help people make seamless connections across our Weaver Network, supporting economic growth and creating a better-connected West Yorkshire.”
Jason Hamilton, route director for Network Rail North and East, added: "Rail travel is a key driver of growth for Leeds and the wider North of England, and the completion of this really positive work opens up so much opportunity for the station and the city.
"The transformed new gateway gives commuters and visitors an improved first impression of the city and easier access to everything Leeds has to offer, paving the way for the wider transformation of the station in the years ahead.”