Leeds City Square redesign: Full list of road closures as final phase of transformation gets underway

Nine roads around City Square will be closed overnight between September 4-16 (from 8pm – 6am) for surfacing works.

It will be completed in two phases with the following diversion routes in place:

September 4-8 (8pm – 6am): Neville Street, Bishopgate, Boar Lane, Infirmary Street, Park Row

September 11-16 (8pm – 6am): Thirsk Row, Wellington Street, King Street and Quebec Street

Leeds City Council, which is behind the project, said the majority of surfacing work around City Square is now finished.

However, it said that work still needs to take place to install automatic bollards and information boards around the site.

Residents and businesses will be kept informed about the progress, the council added.

Coun Helen Hayden said: “We’re getting nearer to the completion of City Square which will make it easier for people to get around by walking, wheeling, and cycling, and supports our ambition to create greener, healthier, and safer public spaces for people to enjoy.”

The project to transform the the area first started in September 2022. The local authority hope the work will pave the way for it to become a “more people-first environment" and a “much-improved space for people that live, work in, and visit the city”.

The council say that, by blocking general traffic from City Square, it will help reduce congestion in the city centre as whole, improve air quality and improve the experience for commuters and pedestrians.

It is being designed as part of a new gateway vision for people arriving at Leeds City Station alongside the redevelopment of the transport hub.

The project has also introduced several bus gates which are now in operation, giving priority to public transport. Bus gates now in effect include the Headrow, East Parade, Park Row, King Street, City Square, Boar Lane and Neville Street.

Coun Hayden: “The City Square works represent a major change for traffic movement and people should consider alternative modes of travel, like public transport, the Park and Ride, or walking and cycling to get into the city. However, where people absolutely must use the car, they should familiarise themselves with new routes to key destinations.

“We’d like to thank everyone for their ongoing patience throughout the scheme and apologise for the disruption whilst work has progressed.”