HS2

University of Leeds to develop £10m high-speed rail centre

The University of Leeds is spending £10m on a major high-speed rail technology and system integration centre.

The Institute for High Speed Rail and System Integration will allow advanced planning, design, construction and manufacturing projects to be tested and carried out within the UK.

It will look to optimise efficiency using a variety of systems including energy harvesting and sensor technology, which both have the potential to save money and reduce waste on most rail stock.

In addition, there will be research into track, traction and braking advancements, with the aim of improving safety and performance at high speeds.

With the plans for Yorkshire’s HS2 Hub – centred around Leeds – the new building is expected to benefit from local access to the new system as well as the high-speed rolling stock depot located to the east.

“The new Institute for High Speed Rail and System Integration at the University of Leeds is a really exciting development which will establish Leeds as a centre of excellence for high-speed rail on a world level,” said councillor Judith Blake, leader of Leeds City Council.

“It will not only enhance our strengths in civil engineering, rail manufacturing, transport studies and infrastructure development services but will also drive growth through inward investment, aiding regeneration and job creation through the supply chain.

“As well as being a fantastic asset for the city and region in terms of learning and specialist skills development, the potential for it to grow into an advanced manufacturing and engineering research hub generating and supporting university spin-outs means it also has a key role to play as an economic driver.”

This development comes along with a number of opportunities being discussed for the growth of the rail industry in the North of England. In particular, the launch of the new National College for High Speed Rail in Doncaster this month.

Spending on connections could be as high as £300m, while the project is also expected to bring job opportunities and modern skills training, which could go through the Institute.

Professor Lisa Roberts, deputy vice-chancellor for research and innovation, at the University of Leeds, commented: “This is a timely investment in this Institute, supporting not only the development and construction of the UK’s high-speed network, but also positioning the region and the UK as pioneers in modern high-speed rail technologies.

“We now have a genuine opportunity to forge ahead and be a global leader in a high-speed rail market that is expanding rapidly across the world.”

Iain Roche, head of innovation for HS2, said he was “delighted” with the news and hoped it would indicate advancements in the region.

He added: “The creation of world-leading facilities so close to the HS2 depot to the east of Leeds will accelerate the vehicle and systems integration testing process, and advance the UK’s vision of creating a high-speed railway that will support regional growth, create jobs and rebalance the economy.”

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