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    This Abandoned Railway Could Solve Leeds United’s Biggest Matchday Problem



    This Abandoned Railway Could Solve Leeds United’s Biggest Matchday Problem

    In this episode of High Lines of the UK, we explore the Holbeck Viaduct in Leeds – a vast, disused railway viaduct with growing ambitions to become a sky park inspired by the New York High Line. Once a vital piece of Leeds’ railway and industrial infrastructure, this forgotten route now sits at the centre of an exciting conversation about urban regeneration, transport geography, and heritage reuse.

    Built to serve the railways of Holbeck and South Leeds, the viaduct connects directly into Leeds Station and runs towards Elland Road, opening up fascinating possibilities for walking, cycling, and matchday travel. With Leeds United’s stadium expansion plans, could this abandoned railway provide a safer, greener route for tens of thousands of football fans while also delivering much-needed green space to the area?

    We speak on location with people involved in the Holbeck Viaduct Project, discussing its history, structural challenges, ownership, funding, and how projects like Manchester’s Castlefield Viaduct and the New York High Line offer a blueprint for success.

    If you’re interested in disused railways, railway viaducts, local history, industrial archaeology, sustainable transport, or lost infrastructure, this video is for you.

    Let me know your thoughts in the comments — and do you remember travelling on this line?

    https://www.holbeckviaduct.org.uk/

    #HolbeckViaduct #HighLinesOfTheUK #DisusedRailways

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    32 Comments

    1. @WobblyRunner on

      🎥 Filming & exploring kit

      SD Card – I use a range of sizes, but always SanDisk

      https://amzn.to/4px2yEt

      Power bank so I can top up my devices when out filming

      https://amzn.to/4jYKD8R
      My camera main setup – GoPro Hero 12, creator edition with media mod, light and volta handle

      https://amzn.to/4slzC4S

      My microphones – Rode have been reliable and easy to setup

      https://amzn.to/3YkMR8p

      Drone – Im still using my old DJI Mini 3 – because it works

      https://amzn.to/4b8jIVu

      Extra batteries https://amzn.to/3MXmEdC

      These keep my feet dry and have fantastic grip on muddy railway embankments

      https://amzn.to/3LhGbot

      My new rain coat keeps me dry on those horrifically wet days

      https://amzn.to/4sg6LPL

      *As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This also helps support the channel.

    2. @tomsomerfield on

      I find it even stranger that the Wakefield line runs right next to the ground yet there isn’t a railways station which could serve elland road on match days. It could take fans directly to Leeds, Wakefield, Doncaster or Sheffield.

    5. @Mark-gq8ei on

      Leeds resident of 45 years here – cheering them on, and I really hope that they get this to happen. I'm not even a football fan, and think it's such a brilliant idea. It'd help all the area, attract investment and help with the regeneration of areas. It's a complete no-brainer.

    8. @simongrogan5740 on

      I'd definitely support this project for reservation perposes plus why not put in a mini, mini bus way for the disabled supporters and why not put a few companies like (Greggs) for the joggers, runners and enthusiasts to take their dogs

    10. @paulnutter1713 on

      sounds like a great idea……shame it doesnt go anywhere near Elland Rd and nowhere near the train station. Think i'll stick to walking over holbeck moor and up elland road

    11. @phillipbragan7503 on

      I work in holbeck literally 2 mins from the viaduct and it would be good to see something done with it and it makes sense especially with all the new builds going up lets hope it goes ahead 🤞🏻🤞🏻

    13. @DeathByMonkey202 on

      Very valid project however. The club and the city would benefit so much more if it was renovated into a tram system rather than a walk way. A very “scenic walk” through beeston already exists. 😂

    19. @majorpygge-phartt2643 on

      That viaduct route should be reopened as a branch rail route for football special train services, as well as services for music events at the football ground, then the viaduct could become known as "special branch".

    20. @markrudd6194 on

      could even build a tram lime – imagine it with kiosks and places to stop – would make a nice walk and route to the stadium- yorkshire council need to get on it.

    23. @250891dt on

      I live halifax, and avoid coming on the train on match days because it's a nightmare from station to the ground, so I drive and park at the whiterose shopping centre, I'd definitely always get a train if this was open (and a late train on for the late kick offs)

    25. @thomasswanton47 on

      Absolute no brainer. Leeds as a City has been going from strength to strength over the past two decades economically. This would be another huge step forward for Leeds as a city. It’d provide so many jobs, so much opportunity and bring the City closer.

      This would be fantastic. I just hope everyone can come together to make this happen.

    26. @kaleeyed on

      That's an absolute genius and sensible idea, so obviously in Leeds it'll never happen! Seriously, Graham seems like an enthusiastic and organised guy, I wish him and the Holbeck Viaduct Project all the best.

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