First phase of Leeds infrastructure research site gets green light

A national planning specialist has secured planning permission for the first two developments of a new university research facility in Yorkshire.

WSP | Indigo has secured detailed planning permission for the first phase of a University of Leeds development that will host large-scale research and experimental facilities.

The firm has secured permission for two new developments: construction facility Centre for Infrastructure Materials (CIM), and the Infrastructure Test Facility (ITF), the first building as part of the Institute for High-Speed Rail and System Integration.

Located next to the Leeds City Region Enterprise Zone, the ITF will be part of a wider plan involving local authorities and businesses to position Leeds City Region as a UK centre for rail engineering, aiming to generate jobs and inward investment.

Julie White, associate director at WSP | Indigo in Leeds, commented: “We have worked closely with the university team to manage multiple applications on this scheme since 2018, and it’s a major milestone to have secured detailed planning for the first two developments.

“Leeds has a reputation as a world-leader for research and innovation, and now the city will have the world-class facilities to match.”