HS2

HS2 plans to transform Leeds station approved by council

Councillors have endorsed a “milestone” plan to transform Leeds station in preparation for HS2 arriving in the region.

The Leeds City Council executive board approved the strategic outline business case, the detailed transformational plans for the rail station which will “maximise the potential of high-speed rail” in the region.

At the board meeting, senior councillors listened to the case for a masterplan helping guide the future development of the site and heard that it is imperative to have a “fully-integrated, modern station” in Leeds.

The HS2 route is due to approach the station through Hunslet using the Woddlesford route and rise on a viaduct from the city end of Dewsbury Road.

Cllr Judith Blake, leader of Leeds City Council, said: “This is an incredibly important milestone in what will be nothing less than a transformational opportunity for the Leeds economy and that of the wider region.

“Our asks to government for the station are absolutely pivotal to unleashing the potential for HS2 to bring jobs, growth and hugely improved connectivity to the area.”

The council said that Leeds station is key to the north’s future economic growth and accessing the whole of the north and Scotland. The station is the busiest in the north and sees 31 million passengers a year which is expected to double by over 135% over the next 30 years.

Blake added: “We therefore cannot afford to wait for the full HS2 project to be delivered before seriously upgrading Leeds station. It must be brought right up to date, fully integrated with Northern Powerhouse Rail and future-proofed to cope not only with current passenger numbers but with the huge projected growth.”

Leeds council also agreed in principle to enter into joint ventures with London & Continental Railways, and was asked to note progress on the HS2 growth strategy.

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