The Government has today confirmed that a new HS2 rolling stock depot will be built in Leeds, creating up to 125 jobs.

The new depot will enable 24-hour maintenance of the new high-speed trains. The depot will also act as a catalyst for productivity and will attract investment in the region.

The new depot builds on HS2’s commitment to creating 100,000+ new jobs and 2,000 apprentices, with the National Colleges for High-Speed Rail in Doncaster and Birmingham able to train 1,200 students a year.

The University of Leeds’ new Institute for High-Speed Rail and System Integration will additionally help to train postgraduates through MSc and PhD places to make sure there is a flow of skilled personnel into the industry.

What did the officials say?

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.

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.

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.

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