Transport minister Andrew Jones has officially opened a new £20 million entrance to Leeds' city railway station.

Around 20,000 people will use the new entrance, improving commuter journeys at one of the busiest train stations in the UK, reports the Department for Transport.

The new entrance opens up access to South Bank Central, Holbeck Urban Village and Leeds Dock and Hinterland development areas.

Previously, passengers could only reach the station platforms through its northern entrance, which added time and distance to catching trains.

Thought has been given to the appearance of the entrance as part of the general cityscape, however it is the addition of customer information screens, ticket machines and automated ticket gates that will improve the daily customer service. These new additions will also be responsible for reduced congestion throughout the station.

Speaking on the improvements the new entrance presents, councillor Peter Box, chairman of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, said: "The distinctive new southern entrance, will save 1 in 5 [passengers] up to 50 minutes on their weekly commute."

Mr Box believes that this entrance is set to encourage development in an area that is home to the headquarters of ASDA UK, Eversheds, Ernst & Young and DWF.