Designers’ contest for a city landmark

A COUNCIL is expected to approve a design competition among architects to look for new ways of redeveloping Leeds City Square.

Leeds Council plans to revamp the area around the station as it prepares for the HS2 high-speed rail line, which is expected to lead to even more passengers in what is already the busiest rail station in the North.

Eventual plans are expected to include a direct link between the station and the square, while removing general traffic and creating bus corridors on the existing roads.

It follows recent announcements on the planned revamp of Leeds station, which is expected to lead to the closure of New Station Street, a new set of steps to Bishopgate Street and improved cycle facilities.

A document, set to be discussed by Leeds Council’s executive committee, claims the changes are needed in the long term due to massive increases in passengers expected at the station in the coming years.

The report states: “The space can be expanded to over one hectare and redesigned to create a world-class, vibrant and inclusive space, which can also respond to our climate challenges and cultural ambition.

“Creating a space that welcomes people, speaks of our diverse communities and resonates with the citizens of Leeds and supports healthy lifestyles is of prime importance and strengthens and prioritises the Our Spaces work programme around 21st century infrastructure.”

The competition will be led by the Royal Institute for British Architects and will eventually lead to a shortlist of designs that will be considered by council decision makers.

City Square is expected to be closed to traffic from December 2022. Work to complete the revamped area is expected to be finished by 2024.