A milestone in the preparations to bring HS2 high speed rail into the region has been reached as senior councillors today endorsed the detailed case for transformational plans for Leeds Station.
Leeds City Council executive board heard how it is imperative to have a fully-integrated, modern station in Leeds – already the North’s busiest – in order to maximise the potential of high speed rail.
The HS2 route is due to approach the station through Hunslet using the Woodlesford route and then rise on a viaduct from the city end of Dewsbury Road, finally bridging across the River Aire.
Councillors on the board approved the submission to government of the strategic outline business case (SOBC), which details the approach to how the station masterplan will be delivered.
They also agreed in principle that the council enter into joint venture agreements with London and Continental Railways (L&CR) to use their expertise on railway-led regeneration, subject to a further report being brought back for approval.
Councillor 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.
“Leeds Station is the key to the North’s future economic growth: central to accessing the whole of the North of England and Scotland. It is the busiest transport hub in the North with 31 million passengers, and those numbers are projected to more than double by over 135% over the next 30 years.
“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.”
The executive board was also asked to note progress on the HS2 Growth Strategy, preparations for the Hybrid Bill and work on the South Bank Leeds Regeneration Framework. It comes on the same day Network Rail have announced improvements to the station’s existing roof.
Councillors also heard how the SOBC outlines to government the vision for the station, which takes into account the ambitions for it to be:
- A world class hub through its quality of architecture, urban design and connectivity;
- A distinctive gateway that marks out the unique characteristics of Leeds;
- A destination station that is an attractive place to visit in the city centre, where the South Bank meets City Square; and
- A connected place that seamlessly integrates national, regional and local transport.
The full report, Update on the HS2 Growth Strategy, HS2 and Leeds Integrated Station Masterplan can be found here (click on agenda item 11).
