Leicester City Council has released the final designs which show a radical revamp to the city’s railway station.
New images show how the multi-million-pound project will transform the site, with new and improved facilities for passengers and a new public plaza among the proposed renovations.
The station redevelopment is led by Leicester City Council in partnership with Network Rail and East Midlands Railway and is backed by £17.6 million from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund.
The final proposals have been submitted by the City Council for approval.
Under the plans, the main entrance to the station will move from London Road to Station Street, which will be closed to traffic and replaced by a pedestrianised plaza.
Demolition work is now underway on 48a London Road, which stands immediately next to the station. This work is set to be completed by late summer and will create space for the redevelopment to go ahead.
A new curved ramp, steps and lift will provide easy access to the new entrance and ticket hall, which will also be remodelled to include a wider ticket barrier. Secure bike storage will be provided under the new entrance ramp.
City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “Leicester’s railway station is a landmark building but as a vital transport hub, it needs a radical revamp to meet the needs of a modern city the size of Leicester.
“We have been working closely with our rail industry partners and listening carefully to feedback form the public as we progress and develop these ambitious plans that will improve the station and revitalise this important gateway into our city.”
Will Rogers, Managing Director for East Midlands Railway said: “We’re excited to work alongside Leicester City Council and Network Rail to significantly improve the facilities for our customers.
“The investment will see the iconic Leicester railway station restored back to its Victorian glory. The development will transform Leicester railway station, as the gateway to the city, by encouraging integration with the surrounding community and offering an improved customer experience to all station visitors.”
Leicester City Council plans to announce the main development partner this summer following a competitive tendering exercise. Construction work will begin shortly after the appointment of the contractor.
Leicester railway station is currently used by around five million passengers per year, a figure that is forecast to increase by 60% over the next 20 years.
Image credit: Leicester City Council
