World's largest rail test facility could open in Leeds

By The Newsroom
Published 6th Dec 2018, 09:27 BST
Updated 6th Dec 2018, 10:30 BST
Leeds is one step closer to having the largest rail test facility of its kind in the world.

WEST YORKSHIRE: State of the art rail hub a ‘game-changer’ and ‘catalyst’

Leeds is one step closer to having the largest rail test facility of its kind in the world.

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Plans to create a new Institute of High Speed Railways in the city went before a regional transport body, which agreed to help fund final plans for what has been seen as a “game-changer” and a “catalyst” for economic regeneration.

West Yorkshire could soon be the home of high-speed rail.West Yorkshire could soon be the home of high-speed rail.
West Yorkshire could soon be the home of high-speed rail.

Prof Peter Woodward from Leeds University gave a presentation to members of the WYCA investment committee outlining the plans for the institute, which would become a hub for high-speed rail innovation for both track and train technology.

He said: “We are about to have more than £100bn worth of investment coming into the rail industry in the UK, with Leeds at the very heart.

“(The institute will) for the first time, put advanced, world-leading test facilities at the heart – not only of the industry – but of enterprise. The strength that has been developed will be the game-changer, it will be the economic regeneration catalyst for most of the region.