EngTree
Rail — infrastructure
Rail — infrastructureStation upgrade, regeneration, capacity enhancement, new entrance, public realm improvement

Leicester Station Gateway Project / Leicester Station Redevelopment

Leicester, UK · Construction expected to start Spring 2025, completion by mid-2029 · £22m (overall project), £17.6m (Levelling Up funding)

The judgement call

Account-gated at launch

* The project is a significant investment backed by the UK Government's Levelling Up Fund, aiming to create a first-class gateway. * The project aims to enrich the travel experience and act as a catalyst for urban regeneration.

Key engineering challenges

* Transforming a Grade II listed station while preserving its historic character and integrating modern infrastructure. * Creating a new public plaza and pedestrianised area to enhance the station's role as a city gateway. * Ensuring the project aligns with Leicester City Council's broader urban development and growth objectives. * Managing the re-tendering process and subsequent construction to meet timelines and budget.

Project facts

Client / owner
Leicester City Council, Network Rail, Department for Transport
Lead contractor
To be re-tendered (initial tender faced issues); design and build contract mentioned.
Lead designers
Arcadis (design for £22m revamp); AHR (redeveloping Leicester Station)
Project type
upgrade | refurbishment
Scale
Relocating main entrance to Station Street; pedestrianised Station Street; new public plaza; refurbished booking hall; improved access.
Disciplines
Civil; structural; architecture; urban planning; heritage conservation
Standards & frameworks
Network Rail standards; heritage conservation guidelines

Sources: * New Civil Engineer (2025), "£22M Leicester station revamp to be re-tendered following disappointing first effort", https://www.newcivilengineer.com/latest/22m-leicester-station-revamp-to-be-re-tendered-following-disappointing-first-effort-13-01-2025/ * GOV.UK (2023), "Restoration of Leicester train station supported with over £17 million Levelling Up funding", https://www.gov.uk/government/case-studies/restoration-of-leicester-train-station-supported-with-over-17-million-levelling-up-funding * AHR (Undated), "Leicester Station", https://www.ahr.co.uk/projects/leicester-station * New Civil Engineer (2024), "Arcadis-designed £22M Leicester station revamp gets planning approval", https://www.newcivilengineer.com/latest/arcadis-designed-22m-leicester-station-revamp-gets-planning-approval-03-10-2024/