Plans have been unveiled for a new southern entrance to the city’s railway station which could see people emerging onto the newly developed Granary Wharf, significantly reducing the journey time to the urban village for thousands of people now working in the area.

A striking, curved design will minimise the intrusion over the River Aire while presenting a modern façade, in keeping with the overall design of the existing station. New lifts, escalators and stairs will be installed and a footbridge will lead down to Granary Wharf and the River Aire.

A series of consultations and exhibitions were held in Leeds Station and with local residents during August. The feedback received was very positive, indicating that many passengers would welcome the new entrance to ease congestion at peak times.

“As more and more people use public transport, the train station has become much busier,” said Metro Chairman Cllr Ryk Downes. “The proposed new southern entrance will improve passenger flows through the current entrance during peak times and make access to the leisure and business areas south of the city centre much easier”

Colin Mawhinney, head of renaissance unit at Leeds City Council with responsibility for Holbeck Urban Village adds: “It is vital that we improve connectivity to the urban village. We have started to see results with opening of Sweet Street in December last year and the work taking place at Neville Street. The southern entrance is an important addition to the area and a key connection to the city centre.”

The entrance will be funded jointly by Network Rail and Metro with a bid to the Department for Transport expected to fund 90% if the scheme if successful.

For more information visit: www.wymetro.com/leedssouthern