Bam and Gensler among firms appointed to Leeds station overhaul

Leeds train station

The revamp of Leeds station to get it ready for HS2 has taken a step forward with the appointment of an Atkins-led consortium to lead the project.

The team includes architect Gensler, contractor Bam Construction and consultants Bilfinger GVA, Faithful + Gould and Albion Economics.

They will develop a blueprint for redeveloping the station over the short to long term, including how to incorporate HS2 and potentially HS3 with other transport services.

Improved access for cars, taxis, public transport, cycling and walking will also be part of the plans, along with examining options for an enlarged concourse offering easy access between high-speed rail and other services and providing more shops.

The consortium has been charged with drawing up designs that “reflect the character of Leeds” as well as integrating it with wider regeneration in the city’s South Bank area.

Leeds City council want to make the station, which is the busiest in the north of England with over 100,000 passengers per day, a national landmark. An updated station masterplan is likely to be completed by next summer.

Chair of West Yorkshire Combined Authority transport committee Councillor Keith Wakefield said: “With HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail and train travel having such an important role to play in achieving the aims of our Strategic Economic Plan, Leeds Station will become a true transport hub for the city, the city region and the north as a whole.

“Having an integrated station at the heart of the city centre, providing an impressive gateway to Leeds, West Yorkshire and the City Region will transform travel for business and leisure travellers alike and I look forward to seeing the plans for the station’s future come to life.”

Liam Harrison, Atkins market director for Stations & Transport Oriented Development, said: “By integrating the new HS2 station into Leeds’ existing mainline station and the surrounding area, we’ll help create a 21stcentury station - a fantastic space to travel, live and work.”

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