Grade II listed railway station overhaul approved with design led by Arcadis

Planning Permission and Listed Building Consent have been officially granted for the transformative overhaul of Leicester’s Grade II Listed railway station.

Arcadis has led on the complex designs for the station transformation project which is led by Leicester City Council in partnership with Network Rail, East Midlands Railway and SLC Rail and SLC Property.

Once complete, the major revamp will significantly enhance customer experience, connectivity, and accessibility while preserving the station's historic features and driving inclusive growth.

This ambitious redevelopment, supported by £17 million from the government’s Levelling Up Fund and additional investment from Leicester City Council, is designed to seamlessly blend heritage with modern transport needs.

By re-orienting the station entrance towards the city centre, the project will create a welcoming new gateway that improves the flow of passengers and public access.

The revamp also addresses the city’s ambitions for sustainable mobility, encouraging a shift toward greener transport options by upgrading pedestrian routes, introducing a new cycle store, and relocating the taxi rank to create a more efficient, accessible layout.

The transformation of the Victorian Porte Cochère into a vibrant food hall and additional retail space ensures that heritage is not only conserved but reimagined to enhance the station’s role as a community hub.

This thoughtful integration of history with contemporary design will foster regeneration in the surrounding area, stimulating economic growth and making the station an anchor for future development.

Additionally, the improvements to pedestrian access and the wider urban realm are designed to make the station more inclusive, providing a safe and welcoming environment for all, while also promoting sustainable public transport to reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, and drive down carbon emissions.

Working as the lead design organisation, Arcadis engaged AHR and Cundall to work alongside inhouse specialists in fire, highways, landscape, telecoms, cost, design and project management.

Gregg Barton, Arcadis project director for Leicester Railway Station, said: “This project is all about creating a station that’s logical and easy to access for everyone while preserving its historic charm.

“It highlights the power of integrated station transformations, where we balance heritage preservation with the need for modern, efficient, and sustainable infrastructure.

“This redevelopment will enhance Leicester’s connectivity, support economic growth, and improve the quality of life for both residents and visitors.”

City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “Leicester’s railway station is a landmark building but as a vital transport hub, it needs a radical revamp to meet the needs of a modern city the size of Leicester.

“We have been working closely with our rail industry partners and listening carefully to feedback from the public as we progress and develop these ambitious plans that will improve the station and revitalise this important gateway into our city.

“The award of almost £18million of extra Government investment into the city through the Levelling Up Fund is powerful endorsement of the importance of the project. It will make a vital and lasting contribution to Leicester’s future growth and prosperity.”

With construction due to begin in Spring 2025, this project will provide Leicester with a world-class transport facility that not only meets operational needs but also plays a vital role in the city’s sustainable and inclusive growth strategy.