Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has confirmed a further £200 million to transform Leeds station by 2030, taking total investment in one of the North's busiest transport hubs to more than £300 million.
The money, confirmed in the Budget, will pay for a new central overbridge, three new entrances, more space on the concourses and a longer platform 14, along with nearly 40% more ticket barriers and more lift capacity to cut queues and crowding.
"Leeds station is the gateway to West Yorkshire, and this extra £200 million investment will turn it into a station this city can be proud of: modern, welcoming and built for the people who rely on it every single day," Heidi Alexander said.
"The great cities of the North deserve better transport and that's exactly what we're delivering. We're paving the way for Northern Powerhouse Rail, forging stronger connections across the region and backing the infrastructure that creates jobs, builds homes and puts passengers first."
Tracy Brabin: 'The beating heart of our region'
Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said: "Leeds Station is the beating heart of our region's transport network, connecting millions of people to jobs, education and opportunity every year - and it's only going to get busier."
"This investment will benefit passengers and businesses, help to unlock the capacity we need for future growth and create a gateway to West Yorkshire that reflects our ambition," she added.
Brabin linked the upgrade to West Yorkshire’s wider Weaver Network plans for the region’s transport.
Ready for growth
More than 27 million passengers use Leeds station each year, and eight in ten West Yorkshire rail services start or finish there. Passenger numbers are forecast to grow by almost 12 million a year by 2043.
The new entrances will link the station more closely with the South Bank, the Dark Arches and Princes Square, supporting regeneration in the city centre. The upgrade also prepares the way for the £11 billion Transpennine Route Upgrade, and follows confirmation last week of a new station at Bradford Interchange.
