Major UK train station to get £300million ‘biggest in a generation’ upgrade to rival ones in London
A POPULAR UK train station is set to undergo a massive upgrade to handle millions more passengers a year.
Leeds station has confirmed a £303million upgrade with new entrances and bigger platforms.
The upgraded station will also include a new central overbridge as well as 40 per cent more rail ticket barriers.
More space is being created in the station, as well as better infrastructure and facilities for passengers.
As a part of the upgrade there will be three new entrances to the station, creating better connections to the South Bank, the Dark Arches and Princes Square.
There will be more space on the concourses and a longer platform 14 too.
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The station is one of the busiest in the north and aims to be transformed by 2030.
And by 2043, the station also hopes to handle an additional 12million passengers each year, raising the total passenger numbers to around 40million.
The works are set to eventually make it the UK’s third busiest station outside of London.
The upgraded station will also pave the way for the Transpennine Route Upgrade and Northern Powerhouse Rail.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: “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.
“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 as we work to set up Great British Railways.”
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.
“Together with our wider plans for West Yorkshire’s Weaver Network, we’re building a better-connected region which works for all.”