Plans to transform historic city viaduct gain momentum

Leeds-based Edward Architecture has been appointed to help progress an ambitious scheme to transform Holbeck’s viaduct in Leeds into a vibrant public space.

The practice is working on a prototype access point and show area of the viaduct to generate interest and political will for the project, which requires some £80,000 worth of investment/fundraising plus pro-bono and community work.

Edward Architecture is working alongside a team of volunteers who are committed to transforming the unused Victorian railway line into a picturesque walkway, similar to the high line in New York and Camden, to link South Leeds with the city centre.

The scheme is subject to the outcome of the forthcoming National Rail Integrated Rail Plan.

Built in 1882 for the London and North Western Railway, the viaduct is an acclaimed feat of Victorian engineering with panoramic views of the city.

The project aims to re-open the viaduct as a thoroughfare linking Elland Road and Beeston to the city centre, with access points at Domestic Street and Holbeck Urban Village.

Edward Architecture is helping to assemble other consultants such as structural engineers Adept, landscape architects Urban Wilderness and Brooks Ecological to ensure a high level understanding of risk aspects to the masterplan.

The team has devised concepts for where access points could be, how they would look and how they could work for all members of the community including disabled access without compromising the structure of the existing viaduct.

It is hoped the prototype access point and show area – which will take the form of a 100 to 200m area of track being accessed by a stair tower in Holbeck – will demonstrate how Leeds could benefit should the project achieve enough support to be delivered.

The project will completely repurpose the viaduct, with plans in place to create cycling and walking routes.

Further ideas include community gardens, arts spaces, market stalls and an outdoor yoga studio along the 1.7km line which runs from Granary Wharf to Holbeck.

Graham Edward, managing director, Edward Architecture said: “We are delighted to be appointed on this exciting project designed to bring back to life an iconic Victorian industrial heritage site for public use.

“With the current growth and development of South Bank Leeds, the benefits would be significant by creating a linear urban oasis throughout the city of Leeds.

“Having visited the New York high line, which is fantastic, we can see the potential of an attraction like this which would link communities and stimulate regeneration.”

Hiro Aso, urban strategist and Leeds Station masterplanner, said: “This is a cracking opportunity to harness the inherent power of infrastructure to directly support communities for the long term.

“It will put right an unintended but often divisive consequence of these heroic structures, to engage those that have been disconnected.”

Andrew Cooper, chief executive, Leeds Business Improvement District, said: “The Holbeck Viaduct Project is an inspiring and visionary placemaking proposal, that has the potential to connect the city centre to wider communities to the south of the city.

“LeedsBID, representing over 950 business organisations supports the aspiration of this initiative.”

David Hodgson, head of strategic development, CEG North, added: “CEG’s Temple scheme seeks to improve the connectivity between the city and the communities of Holbeck and Beeston, an aspiration that is shared by the Viaduct Project.

“We welcome any opportunity that brings new safe routes to economic, social and cultural opportunities as well as breathing life and vitality into the area.”