HS2

Atkins consortium wins contract to remodel Leeds station ahead of HS2

The contract to redesign Leeds station to prepare it for HS2 has been awarded to a consortium of design, engineering and project management consultants led by Atkins.

The group will design a blueprint to deliver planned improvements to Leeds station, now also known as the Yorkshire Hub, including incorporating HS2 and HS3.

Other requirements include improving access for cars, taxis, buses, cyclists and pedestrians examining options for a common concourse between high-speed rail and other services, and maximising the commercial opportunities offered by the station.

Cllr Judith Blake, leader of Leeds city council, said: “We are delighted to be able to announce the Atkins consortium as our partners in developing the exciting masterplan for Leeds Station, which we want to be a statement of our ambition and determination as a city and region to create a distinctive world-class modern transport hub, economic driver and attractive venue and destination in its own right.”

The consortium is made up of Atkins, Gensler, Bilfinger GVA, Faithful + Gould, Albion Economics and BAM Construction.

Hiro Aso, Gensler’s head of transport and infrastructure, was the lead programme architect on the award-winning revamp of King's Cross.

The consortium has also worked on developments at Euston Station, Birmingham New Street and Bond Street Station, Crossrail, projects connected to Heathrow Airport, Glasgow Airport, Wembley Stadium, Twickenham and The Shard, and the facilities for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Liam Harrison, Atkins market director for stations and transport oriented development, added: “Our team will be a true partnership, combining each company’s unique expertise to deliver an integrated masterplan that will create a real and positive impact on Leeds as a city and as a key hub in the Northern Powerhouse.

“By integrating the new HS2 station into Leeds’ existing mainline station and the surrounding area, we’ll help create a 21st century station – a fantastic space to travel, live and work.”

An updated station masterplan featuring the consortium’s work is likely to be completed by next summer. A senior leadership group, chaired by Network Rail's chief financial officer Jeremy Westlake, will provide guidance on the viability of the proposals put forward.

West Yorkshire Combined Authority transport committee chairman councillor Keith Wakefield said: “With HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail and train travel having such an important role to play in achieving the aims of our Strategic Economic Plan, Leeds Station will become a true transport hub for the city, the city-region and the north as a whole.

“Having an integrated station at the heart of the city centre, providing an impressive gateway to Leeds, West Yorkshire and the city-region will transform travel for business and leisure travellers alike and I look forward to seeing the plans for the station’s future come to life.”

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