News on Leeds City Square

Major changes are taking place to vehicle movement in the city centre, as construction work begins to introduce a new 24-hour East Parade bus gate, coming into operation on 19 June.

Works starting on 15 May will also see changes to a section of East Parade to make it two-way to traffic. Calverley Street will also see changes from one-way northbound to two-way. It will not be possible for motorists to access The Headrow when travelling southbound on Calverley Street.

This final phase will see:

East Parade Bus Gate – 18 June

Completed changes to Calverley Street 18 June

City Square works started in September 2022, with the initial closure of City Square to through traffic. Works have continued around the area including closing to traffic the Quebec Street access to City Square. In January King Street and Thirsk Row became two-way, to facilitate vehicle and bus movements. Current works are taking place at the junction of Aire Street and Wellington Street, as well as to the south of City Square in front of the Queens Hotel pick up and drop off area. More details about the phased changes can be found on the project website Have Your Say Today - Construction - Leeds City Square (commonplace.is).

Leeds City Station

Works around City Square including the closure of New Station Street by Network Rail are being co-ordinated and planned. The council does everything it can to co-ordinate works with these stakeholders. The timing of these phase of works has been planned to coincide after major city events have taken place, such as the Rob Burrows marathon.

May 19 will see the northern section of New Station Street, from the station’s main entrance towards City Square closed to pedestrians to allow Network Rail to carry out essential maintenance work to reinforce the Mill Goit underground structure beneath the street which supports much of the station above it.

Also due to the closure of New Station Street, the station’s taxi rank will be moved to Princes Square from Thursday (18 May), affecting private hire and hackney carriage services.

Pedestrians will be able to walk towards Boar Lane from the station’s main entrance by turning right and travelling along the other side of New Station Street.

To access City Square, Infirmary Street, Park Row and Wellington Street, pedestrians are advised to use the station’s northern entrance (opposite the Majestic building).

Pedestrians walking to the south bank area of the city can do so by following New Station Street onto Boar Lane and looping back onto Mill Hill, or by using the station’s southern entrance (open between 6am and 10pm). Details on accessing the station are available on the project website Have Your Say Today - Leeds City Rail Station - Commonplace.

Impact on buses

From 18 June, there’s also changes to some bus routes affected by these new layouts and people will need to check with West Yorkshire Metro ahead of travel.