00:00Leeds Station is getting a major makeover, with more space, better access and improved facilities planned as part of a
00:08£303m investment.
00:11The government has confirmed a further £200m of funding to transform the station by 2030.
00:17Plans include a new central overbridge, three new entrances, bigger concourses and an extended Platform 14.
00:25Passengers can also expect more direct routes through the station, nearly 40% more ticket barriers and increased lift capacity,
00:34helping to reduce queues and overcrowding.
00:36The improvements are designed for growing demand, with passenger numbers forecast to increase by almost £12m a year by 2043.
00:45Leeds Station currently handles more than 27 million passengers annually.
00:49The investment is also set to strengthen connections with the city centre, including the South Bank, the Dark Arches and
00:56Princes Square, supporting regeneration and new economic opportunities.
01:01Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander says the funding will help create a modern station that puts passengers first and supports stronger
01:08connections across the north.
01:10The improvements will also pave the way for the £11bn Transpennine Route upgrade, which aims to increase passenger capacity by
01:1730% and electrify key routes.
01:20Together with plans for Northern Powerhouse Rail, the upgrades are intended to deliver more frequent services and better connections between
01:27major northern cities.
