Leeds Council to hold competition among architects to design a car-free Leeds City Square plan

Leeds City Council plans to revamp the area around the station as it prepares for HS2 high speed rail line, which is expected to lead to even more passengers in what is already the busiest rail station in the north.

Eventual plans are expected to include a ‘direct link’ between the station and the square, while removing general traffic and creating ‘bus corridors’ on the existing roads.

It follows recent announcements on the planned revamp of Leeds City Station, which is expected to lead to the closure of New Station Street, a new set of steps to Bishopgate Street and improved cycle facilities.

A document, set to be discussed by Leeds City Council’s decision-making executive committee claims the changes are needed in the long term due to the massive increases in passengers expected at the station in the coming years.

The report states: ” the space can be expanded to over 1 hectare, and redesigned to create a world class, vibrant and inclusive space which can also respond to our climate challenges and cultural ambition.

“Creating a space which welcomes people, speaks of our diverse communities and resonates with the citizens of Leeds and supports healthy lifestyles, is of prime importance and strengthens and prioritises the Our Spaces work programme around 21st century infrastructure.”

It added that the four road crossings leading to the station are crossed by more than 40,000 passengers every day, and that closing city square to general traffic would increase the area of public realm to one hectare – equivalent to around one and a half football pitches.

The competition will be led by the Royal Institute for British Architects and will eventually see a shortlist of designs which will be decided on by council decision-makers.

Leeds City Square is expected to be closed to traffic from December 2022, while work to complete the revamped city square is expected to be completed by 2024.