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Leeds confirmed as site of HS2 rolling stock depot
The Government has confirmed that the new HS2 rolling stock depot will be constructed in Leeds, which could create up to 125 skilled jobs in the city.
The depot, which will be constructed at a manufacturing park on the outskirts of Leeds, will enable 24-hour maintenance of the brand new high-speed trains.
It is currently hoped that Phase 1 of HS2 will be in operation by 2026, with Phase 2, which will include Manchester and Leeds, following in 2032.
Chris Grayling, Transport Secretary, said: ‘Constructing this vital depot in Leeds underlines how the benefits of HS2 drive prosperity right across the UK, with Yorkshire playing a crucial role in maintaining the new high-speed trains and delivering significantly better journeys for passengers.
‘The depot will act as an economic catalyst, creating skilled jobs, boosting the local economy by unlocking regeneration opportunities and driving continued investment. This ensures Leeds will not only see immediate benefits when HS2 arrives but will see Yorkshire become a thriving hub for training the engineers that HS2 and future major projects will need.
‘The arrival of HS2 in Leeds will also be vital to the success of the South Bank redevelopment, one of the largest proposed regeneration projects in Europe, which could provide 12,000 new homes and support up to 40,000 jobs across the city region.’
The final location for the depot reflects proposals put forward during a public consultation on the site, with the Government saying the new site will ensure HS2 has fewer environmental impacts in the region by reducing the distance empty trains travel to and from Leeds station for overnight stabling.
The depot site was previously proposed in the village of Crofton.
Councillor Judith Blake, Leader of Leeds City Council, said: ‘I welcome the news that the HS2 depot will be located at Gateway 45 in Leeds.
‘It’s now important that through our continued work with HS2 and the Department for Transport that we finalise the proposals for the University of Leeds’ Institute for High-Speed Rail, which will be world-leading in its field, and underpin the continued success of the Leeds City Region Enterprise Zone.’