The proposals for a new entrance on the southern side of the station to and from the existing platform footbridge received final approval from Local Transport Minister Baroness Susan Kramer today.
Baroness Kramer said: “The £12.4m we are putting into this project shows that the coalition government is serious about investing in the infrastructure the country needs to drive economic growth both locally and nationally.
The scheme consists of an enclosed structure over the River Aire that incorporates lifts, escalators and stairs allowing passengers access from the current western footbridge within the station to ground level either side of the river.
Carillion has called in its own designer to complete the initial scheme drawn up for Network Rail by AECOM.
It now faces the technical challenge of piling in the River Aire during the most difficult season for water levels.