LEICESTER City Council has launched a fresh search for a development partner to deliver the radical redevelopment of the city’s historic railway station.
A tender has been launched for contractors to deliver the ambitious transformation of the landmark railway station building, with a revised value of £25.9m.
This was made possible when the council was given permission to reallocate almost £10 million of Government funding to help ensure the ambitious revamp goes ahead as originally planned.
It is hoped that the funding boost will help kickstart the project after a previous tendering exercise did not result in a development partner being appointed to deliver the scheme.
City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “This is a very positive step forward for this vital and ambitious project.
“The railway station is a landmark building and a gateway to the city but as a vital transport hub, it’s just not fit for the 21st century.
“It urgently needs investment and a radical revamp so it can continue to meet the needs of our growing city.
“With a new funding agreement with the Government now in place, there is a real determination to make this happen.
“We are very optimistic that we will now find the right development partner to deliver the bold and ambitious transformation of our historic railway station that is so badly needed.”
The major revamp of Leicester’s railway station aims to transform the landmark building with improved facilities, increased passenger capacity, and a new public plaza to create a more accessible and attractive gateway into the city.
Government funding of up to £27.5 million has been secured for the project from the Levelling Up Fund.
The scheme is led by Leicester City Council in partnership with Network Rail and East Midlands Railway (EMR).
Under the plans, the station’s main entrance will be moved from London Road to Station Street, which will be closed to traffic and replaced with a new pedestrianised public plaza.
The original façade of the historic Grade-II listed building will be carefully restored to its Victorian glory and form the new entrance, facing directly towards Granby Street and into the city centre.
The existing glass-roofed entrance hall – or porte-cochere – will be completely overhauled to provide an attractive and welcoming place for cafes or retail.
Pick up and drop off points, including for hackney cabs. will be relocated from inside the station to a new location at the rear of the station, off Fox Street and close to the new entrance.
A new curved ramp, steps and lift will provide easy access to the new entrance, and the number of ticket gates will be increased from six to 15 to reduce passenger queues. New passenger assistance lounges will also be created.
The contract is being tendered using a competitive flexible procedure under the Procurement Act 2023, with the contract split into two stages – detailed design work and construction.
The deadline for submissions is 14 December. It is anticipated that the contract will be formally awarded in summer 2027.