Holbeck Viaduct Project, Leeds for Holbeck Viaduct Project CIC and CEG/RPG with Urban Wilderness, Edward Architects, Buro Happold, Network Rail, Railway Heritage Trust and McLaren Group

Holbeck Viaduct Project, Leeds for Holbeck Viaduct Project CIC and CEG/RPG with Urban Wilderness, Edward Architects, Buro Happold, Network Rail, Railway Heritage Trust and McLaren Group

The Holbeck Viaduct Project in Leeds proposes the transformation of a 1.6 km disused Victorian rail viaduct, repurposing a local historic landmark into a dynamic, elevated linear park. It will forge sustainable connections between Leeds city centre rail station and Leeds United Football Club, while linking historically deprived communities to the expanding South Bank. The project will provide green infrastructure, versatile spaces for recreation, cultural events, and community activities and serve as a focal point for the fast-evolving multi-modal transport network in Leeds.

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Describe the context of this project, its neighbourhood and people.

The Holbeck Viaduct Project is located in South Leeds, an area with a rich industrial heritage now poised for significant regeneration as part of the city’s expanding South Bank. Once a vital rail route, the 1.6 km Victorian viaduct stands as a powerful reminder of Leeds’ engineering past, cutting through a landscape of emerging residential, cultural and commercial development. Today, it represents both a physical and symbolic link between the city centre and long established neighbourhoods such as Holbeck, Beeston, Lower Wortley and Elland Road.
 
These communities have faced social and economic challenges, including deprivation, disconnection and a lack of accessible green space. The reimagined viaduct will address these disparities by transforming a redundant structure into an inclusive public realm that celebrates Leeds’ heritage while connecting fragmented communities.
 
The project will reconnect people to the city, nature and one another through a safe elevated green corridor that links the Rail Station with South West Leeds. As part of wider city ambitions for sustainable urban growth and low carbon travel, it will help create a more walkable Leeds that improves personal wellbeing, public access and city-wide biodiversity.
 
By acting as both a community asset and an urban landmark, the Holbeck Viaduct will provide a much needed focus for the evolving South Bank, giving residents, workers and visitors a shared destination that embodies Leeds’ commitment to integrated transport options, inclusivity, sustainability and civic pride.

Please describe your approach to this future public realm, including its purpose and motivation. How does it knit into, and serve the needs of, the wider area? 

The Holbeck Viaduct Project will transform a historic Victorian rail structure into a lively public space that connects people, places and nature. The approach focuses on reusing an existing asset to deliver a bold and inclusive vision for South Leeds, creating a continuous green corridor for walking and cycling between the city centre, Leeds Rail Station and Leeds United Football Club. This direct, elevated route will connect fragmented neighbourhoods, improve accessibility and provide new perspectives of the city.
 
The purpose is to create a place that belongs to everyone. It will bring communities together through shared use and collective stewardship, offering spaces for exercise, learning, creativity and relaxation. The viaduct will become a platform for cultural events, markets and pop up activities while supporting environmental education and nature-based learning. Design decisions will respond to the surrounding South Bank regeneration, knitting the project into the wider urban fabric. The structure will provide a focus for new developments, encouraging footfall, social interaction and economic activity. Planting, lighting and materials will be carefully designed to create a safe, welcoming and resilient environment that can evolve over time. By reimagining the viaduct as both a civic landmark and a community-led park, the project will support a more connected, sustainable and creative Leeds. It will demonstrate how historic infrastructure can be repurposed to serve future generations and inspire pride in place.

Please explain the governance of the project, describing its viability and any consultation and community engagement undertaken. 

The Holbeck Viaduct Project will be delivered and managed by the Holbeck Viaduct Project Community Interest Company, a not-for-profit organisation established to oversee development, long-term stewardship and community engagement. Governance will be provided by a Board of Directors with expertise in finance, legal matters, civil and structural engineering, urban planning and community development. Strategic partnerships with Leeds City Council, Network Rail, local businesses and cultural organisations will support project viability and ensure alignment with wider South Bank regeneration. In parallel, the CIC is discussing long term management options with companies such as GreenBelt and the Land Trust. 

Extensive consultation has informed the project vision. Local residents, community groups, businesses and public stakeholders have been engaged through workshops, surveys, design sessions and stakeholder meetings. This participatory approach has shaped proposals for walking and cycling routes, green infrastructure, cultural programming and ecological enhancements, thus ensuring the project responds to local needs and aspirations.
 
Community involvement will continue through adoption schemes, enabling residents and local organisations to take responsibility for maintaining and activating sections of the viaduct. This will provide practical skills, knowledge of sustainable management practices and opportunities for community-led initiatives.
 
Viability will be supported by a phased funding strategy combining public grants, philanthropic contributions, commercial partnerships and potential revenue from events or leasing opportunities within the arches. Through robust governance, inclusive consultation and diversified funding, the Holbeck Viaduct Project will deliver a sustainable, resilient and community-led public realm that enhances social, environmental and economic outcomes for South Leeds.