The Holbeck Viaduct Project is a community-led initiative that aims to transform an abandoned railway viaduct in Leeds into a new public space, connecting the communities of Holbeck and the city center. The viaduct was built in the mid-19th century to carry trains over the River Aire and the streets of Holbeck, but it fell into disuse and disrepair in the 20th century.
The project began in 2013 when local residents, businesses, and community organizations formed a group called the Friends of Holbeck Viaduct. They started to explore ideas for the viaduct's potential as a new public space and launched a campaign to raise awareness of its historic and cultural significance.
In 2015, the Friends of Holbeck Viaduct partnered with the architecture firm Bauman Lyons to develop a feasibility study and design proposals for the viaduct's transformation. The study proposed creating a new public park and a pedestrian and cycle path on top of the viaduct, linking the communities of Holbeck and the city center.
Since then, the project has gained momentum with funding from organizations such as the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Leeds City Council. In 2021, construction work began on the first phase of the project, which includes the restoration of the viaduct's arches and the creation of a new public space underneath the viaduct.
The Holbeck Viaduct Project is an inspiring example of community-led regeneration, bringing together local residents, businesses, and organizations to transform an abandoned piece of infrastructure into a new public space for everyone to enjoy.
We stopped d for a drink at Nero's Ices at the halfway point of the walk.
He has an interesting story to tell about the history if Nero's Ices!!
He is here most Saturdays, click on the link for more info.
