Agenda item

To receive an update from the Head of Station Development on the Leeds Sustainable Travel Gateway project.

The report of the Head of Station Development provided the Board with an update on the Leeds Station Sustainable Travel Gateway Project.

The Chair thanked officers for their time in providing a site visit to Leeds Station.

The following were in attendance for this item:

-  Councillor Helen Hayden, Executive Member

-  Angela Lawson, Head of Station Development

-  Chloe Drummer, Senior Project Manager

-  Angela Barnicle, Chief Officer, Asset Management and Regeneration

Key issues highlighted included the following:

·  The project was the first phase of the delivery of the Leeds Station Masterplan.

·  Passenger numbers had increased from 9 million in 2000 to 34 million in 2019.  It is estimated that this would be at least 40 million by 2040.

·  The Masterplan was approved in 2017 and is being delivered in partnership with WYCA, Network Rail and the Department for Transport. It seeks to redevelop Leeds Station and the surrounding area to address issues relating to capacity, accessibility, health and safety, security and connectivity.

·  The project is funded by the Department for Transports Transforming Cities Fund.

·  The majority of work is being carried out on Network Rail land and Network Rail will therefore control and maintain the assets after the works have been completed.

·  The scope of the project included pedestrianisation of New Station Street, and the relocation of buses and the Hackney taxi rank.

·  The hackney taxi rank has temporarily been relocated to Prince’s Square by Network Rail due to work taking place on New Station Street.

·  Leeds City Council will continue to maintain the limited aspects of the scheme which are on the adopted highway.

·  A series of new staircases will be installed alongside two 21-person passenger lifts.

·  The new taxi rank will be double the size of the previous rank and will have two feeder ranks. A new shelter will be provided, and a marshal will manage the flow of taxis.

·  Environmental improvements to the surrounding area and upgrades to street lighting.

·  The provision of a 500-space cycle hub and new cycle lanes.

·  Engagement with key stakeholders including local residents and businesses.

·  Works on Dark Neville Street will be limited due to future plans for redevelopment works on the station.

·  CGI images of how the proposals will look were displayed.

In response to questions and comments from the Board, discussion included the following:

·  A response had been sought from Network Rail following concerns regarding arrangements for drop off and pick up at the station and car parking.  This included the reduction in waiting time allowed.

·  Concerns were raised about congestion at the rear of the station while works were ongoing.  Measures have been taken to tackle this including the introduction of a new bus gate and enforcement cameras.

·  Safety concerns regarding lighting at the car park have been raised with Network Rail.

·  Concern was raised about the lack of visible information about the temporary arrangements for taxis for passengers.  This has led to complaints that drivers were losing trade.

·  Drop off arrangements remain at the rear of the station.  There is step free access and parking bays for passengers with disabilities.

·  Concerns regarding connectivity from the station to the bus and coach stations. 

·  When bus services were relocated, work was carried out with WYCA to provide information about the changes and an app is available to provide up to date information on buses.

·  The entrance to City Square from the station will remain.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted and a further session with Network Rail will be arranged for a future date.