Leeds confirmed as HS2 depot site

The Government has confirmed that the new HS2 Rolling Stock depot will be constructed in Leeds, in a bid to drive forward local regeneration and create up to 125 skilled jobs.

Transport bosses now hope HS2 will see Yorkshire become a thriving hub for training future engineers

The depot is set to act as a key player in productivity and will aim to attract new investment for the region.

The new site builds upon HS2’s commitment to create more than 100,000 new jobs and 2,000 apprentices.

'Economic catalyst'

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 Department for Transport said 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.

Professor Lisa Roberts, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Innovation at the University of Leeds said:

“The location of the HS2 Rolling Stock Depot, combined with the new advanced testing facilities to be built as part of the University’s Institute for High Speed Rail and System Integration are a significant step forward for UK high speed rail capability.

“They position Leeds City Region as a global centre for high speed rail research and development, so we’re working closely with HS2 to ensure our facilities are aligned with its needs and those of industry, so all sides can deliver for the country.”

The location was chosen after a public consultation on the site. It's hoped the new location will help ensure HS2 has fewer environmental impacts in the region by reducing the distance empty trains travel to and from Leeds station for overnight stabling.

A global centre for rail

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.

“Taken together, both of these facilities located at Gateway 45 will make Leeds and the region a global centre for advanced rail and high speed technology, further strengthening the economy.

“Leeds City Council are already working with our partners across Leeds City Region to ensure that people will have the right skills and be ready to take advantage of the skilled jobs and other opportunities these developments will bring."