Hiro Aso – the architect behind the redevelopment of London’s Kings Cross station – is among a team of leading architects and engineers selected to develop a masterplan for the revamp of Leeds Station.
Known as the Atkins consortium, the team is tasked with developing a blueprint for all short and long term improvements to the station.
The masterplan will bring together current plans for the station, which see the centre of Leeds changed dramatically to accommodate HS2 and the Northern Powerhouse Railway.
New platforms are proposed to join the existing station to form a T-shaped configuration. A common central concourse will allow travellers to transfer quickly from the high speed network to local trains on existing lines.
The new plan should act as a guide to lead the development of the station into a national transport hub – branded the Yorkshire hub.
Hiro Aso led the regeneration scheme at Kings Cross, where he added an undulating steel lattice to the western elevation of the original station, forming a semi-circular canopy over the ticket hall. The scheme was multi-award winning, and gained practice John McAslan + Partners critical acclaim.
In 2015, Aso was appointed by global architecture firm Gensler as regional head of transport and infrastructure. His portfolio also includes transport hubs and metro systems in Delhi, Moscow and Dhaka.
Integration for cycling, walking, and other forms of public transport are to be incorporated into the masterplan, which is expected to be complete by next summer.
Leeds station is the busiest rail hub in the North of England, currently attracting 100,000 travellers each day. Recently, a new entrance was opened on the south side of the station, providing easier access for the growing South bank area of the city.