30.11.15
Leeds to get single hub station for HS2
Leeds station looks set to be transformed into a single integrated station for classic and HS2 services, rather than having two separate stations.
HS2 Ltd chair Sir David Higgins is publishing his ‘Yorkshire Hub’ report today, as requested by the government, which had asked him to look again at the original plans for a separate HS2 station at New Lane, south of the city centre core and a few minutes’ walk away from the existing station (pictured below). The government has said it is "minded to agree" with the idea of single hub station, but will take a final decision in autumn 2016.
Higgins said a “consensus” has grown in favour of hub stations for HS2 in Leeds city centre as well as at Toton in the east Midlands. “We all recognise the huge contribution this infrastructure investment can make in helping to rebalance our economy,” he said.
Cllr Keith Wakefield, the former leader of Leeds city council who now chairs the West Yorkshire Combined Authority transport committee, was quoted by the Yorkshire Post as saying: “Integrating the HS2 station with our existing station will provide a seamless interchange between high speed and classic rail services – and importantly, will allow through trains to enhance services to the city region and beyond.
“This will connect the major cities of Bradford, York and Wakefield, and significant towns such as Halifax, Huddersfield, Dewsbury, Harrogate and Selby, into the national high-speed network.”
Leeds City Council leader Cllr udith Blake said: “This is a major project that will transform the station into a landmark gateway to welcome visitors and business travellers in the city and region.”
The principle of HS2 serving an expanded and integrated station in Leeds is also backed by high-speed rail think tank Greengauge 21, whose founder Jim Steer writes in the current edition of RTM.
Leeds station is in the middle of a revamp, with a new southern entrance being built as part of a complex engineering project. The opening has been delayed from May 2015 to January 2016.
The transport secretary has published a series of HS2 documents today, including a new command paper, an update to the strategic case, and the supporting documents for the phase 2a early link to Crewe. The papers are here.