Leicester rebids £22m station revamp after failed tender race

The station upgrade is being rebid with hopes to draw wider contractor interest following a rethink of the scheme, which will now launch with early contractor involvement and detailed design.

The previous two-stage design and build contest last summer failed to deliver, prompting the council, Network Rail and East Midlands Railway to overhaul the procurement.

Backed by nearly £18m of levelling up funding, the plan will bring Leicester’s Grade II listed Victorian station back to life with structural changes, internal modifications, telecoms and M&E upgrades, public realm works, and highway changes — all delivered to Network Rail standards.

The new design includes relocating the main entrance from London Road to Station Street, creating a public plaza with rainwater gardens and trees, and revealing the station’s original frontage.

A fresh invitation to tender will be released by 29 July, with construction due to start by 30 April 2026 and finish in October 2028.

For more information email Jigna Dhorajia at Leicester City Council.