People will have a chance to explore how Leicester railway’s radical revamp will look, thanks to new images which have been released to the public.
The multi-million-pound project aims to revitalise and restore the city’s historic station building, improve facilities for passengers and create a more accessible and attractive gateway into the city.
Now, details of the proposed railway station redevelopment have been published by Leicester City Council, which is leading the project in partnership with East Midlands Railway (EMR) and Network Rail.
A new website – at www.leicester.gov.uk/Station – invites people to explore and feedback on how the station’s improved ticket hall, redeveloped porte-cochere, new public square and relocated entrance on Station Street will look following the ambitious revamp.
People can also find out more about the proposed redevelopment at two drop-in public events later this month.
The first will be held at the railway station, in the porte-cochere area, on Wednesday, March 22, from 2-7pm.
A second event will be held at Highcross shopping centre on Thursday, March 23, between 9am and 2pm.
Under the plans, the area outside the entrance will be remodelled with a ramp and steps leading up to the main entrance to the main concourse and ticket hall. The ticket hall itself will be re-configured and opened up to provide more space for passengers. New skylights will be installed in place of the existing suspended ceiling to further enhance the sense of space and let more natural light into this part of the building.
A new secure cycle store will be created close to the new entrance.
Station Street will be closed to traffic and replaced with an attractive new pedestrianised open space, with trees and landscaping, that will link directly to the Granby Street super crossing and into the city centre.
Taxis will be relocated from inside the existing covered main entrance hall – or porte-cochere – to a new purpose-built looped taxi rank area off Fox Street, immediately adjacent to the new entrance. This will free up the glass-roofed porte-cochere to be revamped as an attractive new plaza for cafes, bars or retail.
The original Station Street façade of the Grade II-listed station building will also be revealed and carefully restored back to its Victorian glory. This will require the demolition of the Parcel Yard pub building and the next-door taxi office.
Will Rogers, Managing Director for East Midlands Railway said: “We’re excited to work alongside Leicester City Council and Network Rail to significantly improve the facilities for our customers.
“The investment will see the iconic Leicester railway station restored back to its Victorian glory. The development will transform Leicester railway station, as the gateway to the city, by encouraging integration with the surrounding community and offering an improved customer experience to all station visitors.”
It is estimated that Leicester railway station is currently used by around five million passengers each year. This is forecast to increase by around 60 per cent over the next 20 years.
Planning and listed building consent will also be required before work can start on site. If given the go-ahead, work is expected to start on-site later this year.
The online guide to the Leicester railway station development proposals is available at www.leicester.gov.uk/station
People will have until Monday, April 10 to leave feedback.
