Leeds Uni acquires site for HS2 research hub
The University of Leeds has bought a 10-acre plot to build a high-speed rail research facility where engineers will be trained to work on the government’s £56bn HS2 project.
Aire Valley Land, a joint venture between Harworth Group and Evans Property Group, has sold the plot to the University of Leeds which will build the Institute for High Speed Rail and System Integration.
The research hub will train postgraduate engineers through MSc and PhD courses in high-speed rail planning, design, construction and manufacturing.
The University of Leeds has bought a 10-acre plot to build a high-speed rail research facility where engineers will be trained to work on the government’s £56bn HS2 project.
Aire Valley Land, a joint venture between Harworth Group and Evans Property Group, has sold the plot to the University of Leeds which will build the Institute for High Speed Rail and System Integration.
The research hub will train postgraduate engineers through MSc and PhD courses in high-speed rail planning, design, construction and manufacturing.
HS2’s eastern leg Phase 2b Rolling Stock Depot, which will maintain the high-speed trains, will also be located on the site.
See also: Birmingham’s HS2 real estate projects on track
Professor Lisa Roberts, deputy vice-chancellor: research and innovation at the University of Leeds, said: “The new advanced testing facilities as part of the university’s institute, alongside HS2’s new rolling stock depot, 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. We are working closely with HS2 to ensure our facilities align with its needs and those of industry, so all sides can deliver for the country.”
At the peak of construction, HS2 will need 30,000 workers on the project, which has so far run into difficulties.
HS2 has confirmed the project has cost issues and it has been reported that the government will give no more money for the scheme.
Civil contractors on phase one of the scheme are currently in talks with HS2 to reduce costs on the scheme.
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