HS2 depot to be based in Leeds creating 125 jobs

High-speed trains will be maintained at a depot to be built in Leeds, creating up to 125 jobs.

The HS2 rolling stock depot will be built at Gateway 45 near the M1 rather than in the village of Crofton, Wakefield, as previously proposed.

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said Leeds would see “immediate benefits” when HS2 arrived.

The depot will be a place to store, clean and maintain the new high-speed trains.

Leeds Council, the University of Leeds, the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Leeds City Enterprise Partnership have welcomed news of the new depot.

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 DfT 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.”