Generic 2 HS2 Train Image Leeds Depot Rolling Stock Maintain Wakefield Crofton

A rolling stock depot which will store, clean and maintain high-speed trains used by the HS2 route is set to be located in Leeds, it has been confirmed. The announcement, which will see the depot built at Gateway 45 close to the M1 motorway rather than in Wakefield as previously confirmed.

The plan, which Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said would also be a hub for training future engineers, could create 125 new jobs in Leeds in a boost to the regional economy. It’ll form part of the presentations and discussions at the HS2 Economic Growth Conference on the 7th November where we’ll be hearing from HS2, all 9 regional hubs and many more public and private sector leaders from across the region.

The depot would bring ‘immediate benefits’ to the region when HS2 arrives according to Grayling – with the news also said to be welcomed by Leeds City Council, University of Leeds, Leeds City Enterprise Partnership and West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

Grayling 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.”

Judith Blake, Leader of Leeds City Council and speaker at the West Yorkshire Economic Growth Conference in September 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 a world leading field, and underpin the continued success of the Leeds City Region Enterprise Zone.”

Leeds is set to see huge benefits from the arrival of HS2 to the city – join us for our conferences where Leeds will take centre stage as leaders of public and private sectors come together:

West Yorkshire Economic Growth Conference (September, Leeds)

HS2 Economic Growth Conference (November, Birmingham)