Final designs revealed for Leicester railway station revamp

Station Street will be permanently closed to traffic and replaced with a new pedestrianised open space

The final designs for the multi-million pound revamp of Leicester's railway station have been revealed.

Leicester City Council has revealed how the £17.6 million project will look, which will include improved facilities and a new public plaza.

Demolition work is already under way to create the space needed for the redevelopment to go-ahead.

Final development proposals for the plans have been submitted by the city council for approval.

The council plans to appoint a main development partner this summer and plans construction work to begin shortly after the contractor is appointed.

An artist's impression from an aerial view

Under the plans, the station's main entrance will be moved from London Road to Station Street, which will be closed to traffic and replaced with a new pedestrianised public plaza.

The new plaza will feature rainwater gardens and new tree planting.

A new curved ramp, steps, and lift will provide easy access to the new entrance and main concourse ticket hall, with new bike storage being provided underneath the new entrance ramp.

The council also hopes the project will reveal the original front face of the historic Grade II listed building.

The glass-roofed entrance hall will be "completely overhauled" to provide a place for cafes, bars, or retail

The project, backed by the government's Levelling Up Fund, is forecast for increased public use by about 60% over the next 20 years.

Leicester's mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said: "Leicester's railway station is a landmark building, but as a vital transport hub, it needs a radical revamp to meet the needs of a modern city the size of Leicester.

"We have been working closely with our rail industry partners and listening carefully to feedback from the public as we progress and develop these ambitious plans that will improve the station and revitalise this important gateway into our city."