Leeds station southern entrance now open
Leeds city station has opened up a sparkling new southern entrance, making the journey for thousands of commuters returning to work this week that little bit smoother and easier.
From Monday 4th January, Leeds Station – the UK’s second busiest outside London – will boast a new, direct link to the city’s growing south bank area that will save passengers at least five minutes on their journeys each day.
Up to one fifth of the station’s 100,000 daily users are expected to benefit from the new entrance relieving congestion at the existing tickets gates.
With steps, escalators and a lift from its concourse deck over the River Aire, Leeds Station Southern Entrance provides a fully accessible route to the city’s Granary Wharf area adjacent to the Leeds Liverpool Canal.
Customer information screens, ticket vending machines and automated ticket gates are located at the point where the new entrance meets the existing station footbridge.
Located at the heart of the UK’s second largest City Region, Leeds station has seen rising demand for a southern entrance with the development of major new office space such as the 32-floor Bridgewater Place and regeneration across the city’s south bank areas.
These include South Bank Central, home to ASDA’s UK headquarters and the proposed HS2 station, Holbeck Urban Village, which has been transformed into a national centre for the creative and digital industries, and Leeds Dock, home to the Royal Armouries Museum.
Leader of Leeds City Council, Councillor Judith Blake said: “We are delighted to see this new southern entrance open at Leeds Station, offering a striking and distinctive new approach to the station that will improve commuter flow across the station itself as we start preparing for the arrival of high-speed rail.”
Transport Minister, Andrew Jones MP, added: “The stunning entrance will make journeys quicker and more convenient for thousands of passengers every day. This is a further example of the Northern Powerhouse in action, improving lives for people and businesses in Leeds.”
As well as the new Southern Entrance, West Yorkshire Combined Authority and its partners have built new rail stations at Apperley Bridge and Kirkstall Forge as part of a £15.9m Rail Growth Package
Rob Warnes, Planning and Programmes Director for Northern Rail, said: “It’s fantastic to see this iconic new entrance open and making a real difference for our customers, many of which use Leeds station when it’s at its busiest.”
