Consultant Atkins is leading a consortium of design, engineering and project management consultants on the planning and design work for the new gateway station complex.

They include Gensler’s acting as lead for transport and infrastructure  and Hiro Aso as lead architect, which was behind the redevelopment of King’s Cross Station in London.

New central common concourse connecting HS2, Northern Powerhouse Rail and existing rail services, with an overbridge to access all other platforms.

The new-look station offers passengers a seamless interchange for changing trains.

A remodelled and extended station will include new entrances, a new central common concourse, extra platforms, a new undulating roof, footbridge and the creation of a surrounding station campus for commercial, residential and leisure developments.

The city centre’s road network would be remodelled with adjoining streets and those under the station being pedestrianised, with the dark arches being transformed into new retail and leisure spaces.

Proposed new entrances and public space connecting to the South Bank and the new city park

The station masterplan sets out the potential for 3m sq ft of commercial development around the station, with a further 80,000 sq ft of leisure and retail space inside as part of the new common concourse.

In Leeds the arrival of HS2 is a key element of the regeneration of the South Bank, a 250-hectare regeneration project creating at least 8,000 new homes and generating 35,000 jobs, featuring the new learning hub for the city, a new city park and a reimagined River Aire waterfront. This regeneration will double the size and economic impact of Leeds city centre.

Mike McNicholas, Managing Director for Infrastructure at Atkins, said: “The Leeds Station district will be one of the largest integrated transport hubs in the UK.

“It will bring together HS2, the classic railway, buses, coaches and taxis into a single place enabling easier journeys between cities in the Northern Powerhouse and around Leeds itself. The bold vision for the district will ensure Leeds remains a key gateway to the north and surrounding areas.”

To see the full report on the Leeds Integrated Station Masterplan approved by Leeds City Council’s executive board last month go to http://bit.ly/2ylKQO0.