The £161 million new roof at Leeds train station has been revealed as part of an estimated £500 million revamp but is all this worth it to the everyday commuter.
By Jessica Trays
A brand-new shiny gold roof has been revealed to the city of Leeds and its commuters, which has been receiving mixed reviews.
Many commuters have praised the improved space and seating including Cameron Perry, a student in Leeds who said, “I appreciate how they’ve opened up the space and added all the new seats for waiting around, but I’m not sure how much it was necessary.” This seems to be a shared opinion amongst the public with many commenting that the space looks nice, but they do not understand why it was needed. Molly Watson also a Leeds student commented, “I much prefer the space now, but there are definitely better uses for money around the city.”
The new space seems to be a hit, but has it really helped any issues faced by commuters? Harry Smith who regularly works and travels in Leeds said, “Sure it looks nice, but it’s still just as congested as ever, it certainly hasn’t helped that.” In agreement, Paul Martins who also frequently travels to Leeds for work said, “The platforms and tracks are what needs updating not the roof.”
Well, they may be in luck as the roof appears to be step one in a reported £500 million revamp which will focus around the opening of Platform Zero. Platform Zero will be built next to Platform One to allow more trains and reduce delays, this will require the closure of most of the open-air long-stay car park, the new platform is said to be completed in 2021. As well as the all new platform, platforms 1 to 6 are said to be upgraded to help minimise delays and crowding.
Jessica Trays 