Green light for phase one of technology and research facility

Detailed planning permission has been given for the first two developments as part of a University of Leeds site that will host large-scale research and experimental facilities.

Having originally secured planning consent in April 2019, the pioneering scheme is set to create an innovative, collaborative space for world-leading researchers in infrastructure materials and high-speed rail.

The detailed permission has been secured by WSP | Indigo.

The two developments include the ‘Centre for Infrastructure Materials’ (CIM), equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for following the long-term performance of a suite of construction materials; and the Infrastructure Test Facility (ITF), the first building as part of the Institute for High-Speed Rail and System Integration.

The institute will revolutionise the way new railway systems are designed, developed and brought into service.

It will be located next to the Leeds City Region Enterprise Zone and forms the early phase of an ambitious plan involving local authorities and businesses to position the City Region as a UK centre for rail engineering which will generate jobs and inward investment.

The ITF will provide facilities to test full-scale railway track structures. Later phases will include a Vehicle Test Facility, to be used for assessing full-scale rolling stock, alongside a System Integration & Innovation Centre to accommodate laboratories as well as office and teaching space.

Julie White, associate director at WSP | Indigo in Leeds: “We have worked closely with the university team to manage multiple applications on this scheme since 2018, and it’s a major milestone to have secured detailed planning for the first two developments.

“Leeds has a reputation as a world-leader for research and innovation, and now the city will have the world-class facilities to match.”