HS2 is planning to scrap proposals to construct a new high-speed rail station south of the River Aire and instead integrate the new railway with the city’s existing station.
In an interim report on the future of Leeds station, HS2 chairman Sir David Higgins suggested that a common concourse linking the two services, with the north-south high-speed platforms running perpendicular to the current stations, was a better option than building a separate station south of the river.
Constructing a separate HS2 concourse the other side of the river would mean passengers would have to walk for up to 10 minutes between the two stations and would make access to the city centre more difficult. Incorporating HS2 as is shown in the preferred option would also not restrict the capacity of the existing station.
The report sets out pros and cons for three different options – two of which involve integrating HS2 into the current station in some way. Although the report makes a clear recommendation for extending the railway north of the river, it does point out a few potential issues.
One problem highlighted in the report was the effect it could have on the city centre’s flood defences, also the design would have to be sympathetic to the Canal Wharf and surrounding conservation areas.
Sir David wrote: “Any future plans to accommodate HS2’s needs at Leeds station must take account not only of HS2, but also continued growth in existing services and those anticipated to be added as a result of the Northern Powerhouse agenda, including HS3.”
