Leeds station set for biggest transformation in a generation as government backs city’s growth with a £303 million upgrade
The UK government will invest £303 million to transform Leeds station by 2030, adding new entrances, barriers, lifts, and platforms to ease crowding and improve access ahead of major rail upgrades.
The government has approved a £303 million upgrade for Leeds station, the North’s busiest transport hub outside London, to address overcrowding and accessibility. The project includes a new central overbridge, three additional entrances, and nearly 40% more ticket barriers to reduce queues and improve passenger flow. Lift capacity will also increase to accommodate rising demand, with upgrades set for completion by 2030. The investment aims to modernise the station and support economic growth in West Yorkshire.
Leeds station currently handles over 27 million passengers annually, with 80% of West Yorkshire’s rail services starting or ending there. Passenger numbers are projected to rise by almost 12 million by 2043, necessitating infrastructure upgrades. The £300 million funding will expand platform 14 and enhance concourse space to future-proof the station. These improvements align with the Transpennine Route Upgrade, an £11 billion project to boost capacity by 30% and electrify key routes across the North.
Three new entrances will strengthen connections between the station and Leeds city centre, improving access to areas like the South Bank and Princes Square. The upgrades support regeneration, job creation, and commercial opportunities in West Yorkshire. The investment also advances plans for Northern Powerhouse Rail, which aims to deliver frequent, turn-up-and-go services between major Northern cities. The government highlights the project as part of broader efforts to improve regional transport infrastructure ahead of Great British Railways.
The announcement follows a £200 million funding boost announced in the 2026 budget, bringing total investment to £303 million. The upgrades will complement a new Bradford Interchange station and the proposed West Yorkshire Mass Transit system. The government states the project reflects a commitment to modern, passenger-focused stations that drive economic growth and connectivity across the North.