Chance to explore plans for Leicester railway station revamp

Further information and fresh photographs of the ambitious plans for the historic train station in Leicester have now been made available for public viewing.

The multi-million dollar project intends to revitalise and preserve the iconic station building, enhance passenger amenities, and establish a more welcoming and appealing entrance into the city.

The government’s Levelling Up Fund, which seeks to invest in infrastructure that enhances everyday living throughout the UK, is supporting the proposed project with £17.6 million.

The East Midlands Railway (EMR), Network Rail, and Leicester City Council are working together to oversee the project, and now the project’s specifics have been released.

The public is invited to explore and provide input on the station’s enhanced ticket hall, renovated porte-cochere, new public square, and repositioned entrance on Station Street via a new website at www.leicester.gov.uk/Station.

At two open-to-the-public, drop-in sessions later this month, people can learn more about the proposed makeover.

The first will take place on Wednesday, March 22, from 2 to 7 p.m. at the railroad station’s porte-cochere area.

The Highcross shopping centre will host a second event on Thursday, March 23, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

According to the plans, a ramp and steps going up to the main entrance to the main concourse and ticket hall would be added to the space outside the door. To provide passengers more room, the ticket hall will be rearranged and made larger. To increase the sense of spaciousness and permit more natural light into this area of the building, new skylights will be put in place of the current suspended ceiling.

A lovely new pedestrian-only open area with trees and landscaping will take the place of Station Street, which will be closed to traffic and connected directly to the Granby Street super crossing and the city centre.

From the current covered main entrance hall, or porte-cochere, taxis will be moved to a newly constructed looped taxi rank area off Fox Street, right next to the new entrance. ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, .

The Grade II-listed station building’s original Station Street façade will also be shown and meticulously restored to its Victorian splendour. The Parcel Yard bar building and the nearby taxi office will need to be torn down in order to do this.
City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “Leicester’s railway station is a wonderful building but needs a comprehensive refurbishment to help it fulfil the needs of a modern city the size of Leicester.

“We have been developing ambitious plans to renovate and revitalise the station in close collaboration with partners in the train industry. It is a large project that will significantly alter the city. The Levelling Up Fund’s award of approximately £18 million is a huge affirmation of the significance of this undertaking.

“I’d encourage anyone interested in our bold ideas to change this iconic, historic building to visit the new website, investigate the bold proposals, and weigh in on this fascinating project,” the statement reads.

“We’re pleased to work alongside Leicester City Council and Network Rail to considerably improve the amenities for our customers,” said Will Rogers, managing director of East Midlands Railway.

The renowned Leicester train station will be restored to its Victorian splendour thanks to the investment. By promoting community cohesion and providing a better user experience to all station visitors, the development will alter Leicester Railway Station, the city’s main entrance.

“This exciting project will revamp Leicester station entry, delivering greater facilities and creating a fitting gateway to the city,” said Gavin Crook, Principal Programme Sponsor for Network Rail’s East Midlands line.

To implement these ambitious, significant enhancements for passengers, we’ll keep collaborating closely with Leicester City Council and East Midlands Railway.

The number of passengers using Leicester’s railway station annually is believed to be over five million. Over the next 20 years, this is anticipated to rise by almost 60%.

Before work can begin on site, planning and listed building consent will also be necessary. Work is anticipated to begin on-site later this year if approved.

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