A transformative £22M revamp for Leicester station has been approved, spearheaded by Arcadis.
- The project will significantly enhance the station’s historic features while improving accessibility.
- Plans include moving the main entrance and pedestrianising Station Street, with added cycle storage and accessibility features.
- A new plaza will create a public space, incorporating rainwater gardens and relocated iconic features.
- The development aims to boost regional growth, supported by the Levelling Up Fund and additional contributions.
The ambitious £22M redevelopment plan for Leicester station, designed by Arcadis, has received the green light from Leicester City Council. The project, known as the ‘Leicester Station Gateway’, aims to enhance customer experience, connectivity, and accessibility, while preserving architectural heritage.
Collaborating with AHR, Cundall, Network Rail, East Midlands Railway, SLC Rail, and SLC Property, Arcadis has devised a complex yet thoughtful redesign. A pivotal change involves relocating the main entrance from London Road to a new pedestrian-friendly plaza on Station Street. This shift will unveil the original façade of the Grade II listed building and provide full accessibility.
Under the redevelopment, the ticket hall will expand, offering more space and a wider ticket barrier to ease commuter flow. Pick-up and drop-off points will move to the station’s rear, freeing the porte-cochère for varied commercial uses, including potential cafes and retail spaces, thereby enhancing the station’s role as a community hub.
Arcadis’s transformation of the Victorian porte-cochère into a vibrant retail space integrates historical conservation with modern design, fostering local regeneration and economic growth. The outdoor plaza will feature rainwater gardens and trees, with Thomas Cook’s statue prominently repositioned within the scheme.
Funded by £17.6M from the government’s Levelling Up Fund and supplemented by Leicester City Council’s investments, this redevelopment will cater to an anticipated passenger increase from five to eight million annually over 20 years. Projected economic benefits include substantial contributions to regional GVA and annual business rates.
Construction is slated for commencement in spring 2025, with a £17M contract tendered earlier this year. Arcadis’s project director emphasised the balance of maintaining the station’s historic charm while introducing efficient, sustainable infrastructure. The project will bolster Leicester’s connectivity, aiding regional economic prosperity.
Leicester’s City Mayor underscored the station’s importance as a transport landmark, asserting the necessity for its radical upgrade to meet contemporary urban demands. The mayor acknowledged extensive collaboration with rail industry partners and the public to refine these transformative plans, ensuring significant long-term benefits for the city.
The planned development of Leicester station is set to blend historical preservation with modern amenities, promoting both community and economic growth.
