Final designs for a radical revamp of Leicester’s historic railway station have been revealed by the city council – with the search now on for a development partner. 

The council plans to make an appointment this summer, following a competitive tendering exercise. Construction work on the multi-million pound project is expected to begin shortly after the contractor’s appointment. 

Led by Leicester City Council in partnership with Network Rail and East Midlands Railway (EMR), the project is backed by £17.6m from the government’s Levelling Up Fund which aims to invest in infrastructure that improves everyday life across the UK.

New visuals have been released showing how the multi-million-pound project will transform the landmark station building with improved facilities for passengers and a new public plaza to create a more accessible and attractive gateway into the city.

Final development proposals detailing the ambitious plans have been submitted by the city council for approval.

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.

Work is now under way to prepare for the demolition of 48a London Road, which stands immediately next to the railway station. 

This will be complete by late-summer and will create the space needed for the redevelopment to go ahead.

It will also reveal the original façade of the historic Grade-II listed building. 

This will be carefully restored to its Victorian glory and form the new entrance, facing directly towards Granby Street and into the city centre.

Outside, a new and now larger public plaza will feature rainwater gardens and new tree planting

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 form 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 £18m 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.”

Will Rogers, managing director for East Midlands Railway added: “The investment will see the iconic Leicester railway station restored back to its Victorian glory. 

“The development will transform Leicester railway station, as the gateway to the city, by encouraging integration with the surrounding community and offering an improved customer experience to all station visitors.”

It is estimated that Leicester railway station is currently used by around five million passengers each year. This is forecast to increase by around 60% over the next 20 years.

The redevelopment contract is a two-stage delivery – with stage 1 for early contractor involvement and stage 2 for the detailed design and construction of the scheme.

Leicester City Council expects the contract to run for 28 months with an option to extend for a further15 months.

Firms have until noon on June 10 to submit applications for the construction contract.