The Holbeck viaduct volunteer team are releasing a report this Friday (21 July 2017) on their proposed project – and everyone’s welcome to come find out more!
The viaduct – which runs from the city railway station, behind Temple Mill and the ‘Urban Village’, across Domestic Street, then across the A643 dual carriageway and Gelderd Road – is a Victorian engineering masterpiece, but has laid empty since 1987.
People have been talking about reopening it to the public ever since – and the past 4 years in particular have seen a new surge of interest, with a scheme led by local residents to create a footpath cycleway and ‘linear park’ gathering significant interest and profile.
Over the past year, a team of volunteers have together written and compiled a rough ‘feasibility’ report – to suss out if and how they think their proposed scheme could work.
They will be releasing it at an event on Friday (21 July 2017) at Old Chapel Studios on Czar Street in Holbeck. Doors will open from 6pm, for a 7pm formal start. The event is free, including snacks and drinks – but please pre-book if possible. Book your free ticket on Eventbrite, search for ‘Holbeck Viaduct Project‘ on Facebook, or email holbeck.viaduct@gmail .com.
Ed Carlisle, local resident and one of those leading the project, commented:
“This is slow work, especially persuading the big institutions that we’re serious, and have a credible project. But this report is a real milestone – giving us valuable clues as to how we could pull it off.
“Huge thanks to all those who’ve worked so willingly and enthusiastically on this report, and other aspects of the project. Join us on the 21st if you can, and perhaps get involved!”
