The Garden On Leeds Central Railway Viaduct | Let's Explore!

[@craigstringwell6058]

If only they’d do more things like this 👌🏼 hopefully people treat it with respect

[@mrbluesky2050]

that site needs a caretaker, just to keep it tidy and disuade the idiots and vagrants 24 / 7

[@craigstringwell6058]

@@mrbluesky2050 totally agree, there must be some sort of security. That lift will be ruined in no time if not

[@rontanser9369]

I agree with you completely, it’s lovely that they’ve kept it and made use of it instead of demolishing it like they usually do😊😊

[@muckle8]

If only the GCR through leicester was still intact , it would have a lovely attraction for walkers and cyclists now

[@WmDavidHarrison]

Brilliant to see Victorian engineering being usefully preserved. Thanks for excellent vlog.

[@kennethstill5945]

That old signal takes me back to 1961, used to have to wait there in the cab of a class 40 until allowed to proceed into Leeds Central onto the Queen of Scots Pullman for Harrogate, every week day for six months. Going back asap to say hello again. Great the viaduct being incorporated etc. Thanks Darren for bringing it to light.

[@rachelwalker7091]

Thanks for showing us the first view of this very impressive project. Looking forward to seeing it develop.

[@AdventureMe]

You and me both!

[@stevewalters4845]

Great to see it being used and preserved,let’s hope it doesn’t get vandalised and ruined

[@kek23k]

This is so good to see its finally happening! Now they just need to turn that Holbeck viaduct into a lovely cycleway for me to get into the centre! :)

[@havingalook2]

That was VERY IMPRESSIVE - beautiful - yes please - do go back in the summer and let us have a see. Leeds is such a gorgeous city. I have been twice an it is simply a beautiful city. This viaduct garden will only enhance its beauty. Many thanks.

[@RobinHullBuilds]

Hey Darren Where I live has become a square block paradise. The new flats and tower blocks have all come from the same style guide. They have no personality and are purely functional. OK, most people just want an affordable place to live and they’re not overly concerned with form. But, these new apartments aren’t affordable. London is very expensive. There’s currently an old workman’s cottage for sale behind my home. It’s for sale at three quarters of a million pounds! This garden on the old viaduct is a fabulous idea. I really like the idea of incorporating old architecture in new developments. It’ll be great to see it in the late spring/summer to see how it’s grown!

[@paulchadwick374]

Went there today, 22nd February. Good views of Leeds Station approaches.

[@kathleenrodgers4514]

How nice that it's being made use of, and it's going to be brilliant when it's finished. It's on my list of places to visit, thanks for the fab video, enjoyed it as usual 👍

[@gavlosmedia6323]

Brilliant that Darren

[@mikey156]

At 3.54mins, that's a new bat box, can see anotherone further down. Timber frame inside which they can perch/hang from

[@anthonyellis987]

With so much gone, it's wonderful that they're using the old viaduct for a public space. When it's finish. it would be great to compare it to how it looked when it had trains going across it.

[@waynepaxford7263]

Excellent video Darren I glad they keep some of the history when they blinding that

[@fletchthemonkeyl9238]

be amazing to see Holbeck Viaduct transformed like this too!

[@stevejones9740]

It's great to see these old structures not only preserved, but made relevant and useful in the here & now. Like other commenters, I hope that this well funded development will be treated with the respect it deserves.

[@shirleylynch7529]

This is going to be spectacular when it’s all finished. I can imagine it being really buzzing in the summer time. Thanks Darren for this little pre view.

[@DaveP668]

Paid that a visit today. Plants are now well established, they were just finishing the top soil on one of the last beds which is much higher than the others. The whole area around it is still a building site, the car park adjacent to the staircase is now fenced off and empty, no doubt in preparation for the next tower(s) to be built, so it will be a few more years before the area is finished and I'm fearful by then it will be 'lost' amongst skyscrapers as its not long enough to be a striking feature like the NY Highline.

[@weatherwitchandfelinefamiliars]

How fantastic! I'd love to see this for myself and love that it's proper disabled access too 😊

[@hollimurray8856]

I'm so glad they kept it 😊 you're right it's good they're incorporated into the modern buildings and it doesn't look out of place. I remember the last video you did they where just building the round staircase.

[@gmintyfresh]

They've been talking about doing this for years, so happy those beautiful viaducts are being reused and being preserved. More innovative use of Leeds old infrastructure please Leeds city council!

[@robertwiddasart6947]

I went up on Sunday afternoon , it will a really nice Green escape when fully complete.

[@fatlad5090]

that's good what they have done. I did see workers porter kabins on top there couple of years ago

[@davidberlanny3308]

That will be a real asset for Leeds, I'm really glad that didnt knock it down. it will look great in the summer in full flower I'm sure. In a few years time it will appear as if it was always been like that a bit like the Rose Garden in Southsea which used to be a fort!! Well done for getting up there and showing us, Good luck from Spain!!

[@ffrancrogowski2192]

Nice one Darren. It's great to see the restoration of this old viaduct amongst the modern buildings. I'm all for it, and somebody had the wisdom to come up with this fantastic idea, including the staircase and lift. Be great when it's all completed! Many thanks for this video showing.

[@J.Mox_Leeds]

I walked past there twice today as I live really close to the canal and river around 500 yards from the site your on, and was tempted to have a wonder up. I knew you was itching to get up there like you mentioned a while ago in one of your videos. I think I may just venture up there real soon. Top video yet again .

[@Ironballs71]

Hi Darren. I work for the developer of this project and I'm thrilled that you like what we're doing. I'd be very happy to show you around as we move through to completion and beyond. Thanks, Neil

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks Neil. Yes that would be amazing. Can't wait to see more and in the summer.

[@leegreveson]

Hats off to whoever had the vision to preserve and revitalise this. Would be great if they included a small section of railway track with wooden sleepers within one of the flower beds. Worth a visit later this year I'm sure, nice one 👍🏻

[@vincentpilsworth3195]

That's amazing and so beautiful

[@malcolmrichardson3881]

What an excellent iniative with due emphasis given to public accessability. With so many disused viaducts etc., what better way to preserve them. Hopefully, others will follow Leeds, Manchester and others...

[@thomasmann9216]

It's nice to see this historic viaduct being used again to bring enjoyment into people's lives, rather than being torn down or neglected. You should come to NYC and do a video on the High Line.

[@AdventureMe]

I will one day.

[@paulprescott7913]

What an impressive use of whats left of the viaduct. This is what should be done with whats left of Friar gate station and bridge in Derby.

[@ponyboymb]

What a lovely use of a lovely space. Look forward to seeing how it comes along 💯💯🤟🏼

[@iankirk3537]

Leeds Central Station was on what used to be the Royal Mail Mechanised Letter Office, which in turn has been replaced by apartments or something. I worked at the RM MLO for a few months in the 1980s. I remember an old postman telling me we were standing on the site of the railway platform he used when he went off to World War II.

[@driving_all_over]

Nice one mate, they've done a good job with it

[@Geoffreytomlinson24]

That is very impessive! Nice to see the old worked into the new. Fair play to the local councils.

[@suesmith4366]

Love it, can’t wait to see the finished project. 😎

[@Wedgedoow]

Thanks for another insight into Leeds railway history.

[@AdventureMe]

No worries

[@Magicalmike1]

Will visit it this in near future glad it is almost finished.

[@jacquelinefilby1842]

You do love a good abutment!😅 I can hardly recognize Leeds any more . I used to live in Gledhow and Roundhay and worked in St James Hospital. Took buses downtown to shop, disco etc in the early 80s

[@deborahleach9106]

I really enjoyed your tour Darren. The lift shaft next to the Junction apartment block looks like a ventilation shaft. Maybe that was deliberate by the developers. The old signal is amazing. Great haircut btw - you look to have got your money's worth. Lol

[@rickparkinmoto]

That looks awesome. Looking forward to seeing how that develops. Another great video!

[@oddsandwindsocks5905]

Nicely done Darren. It's nice to see old landmarks being reused.

[@a11csc]

cant wait to see that finished darren

[@lainydepp]

What a fantastic use for it. Better than knocking it down and it being forgotten about ❤

[@kletops46]

You could say the Central viaduct is now a Central Feature. Thanks Darren.

[@SuperRossco10]

Glad there was an abutment in this video!

[@davidnorman7761]

Superb use of railway structures instead of condemning them to history and a skip but end of the day still look better doing what it was designed to do .well done Darren another brilliant film .keep it up mate .

[@lamb1102]

Nice vid. Impressed with that, I'll have a look at the weekend thanks.

[@MyCharlie2000]

Like you I’m all for integration of old structures, we have lost too many lovely buildings and structures, another great video Darren

[@blimseynoeyes]

Great project will have to Bob down this weekend 👍

[@yorkiesteve9453]

Fond memories of when I used to work around there back in 75, when the viaduct used to run all the way up to Wellington St, some of the archways underneath were used by businesses, I used to buy pop directly from one of them, at a fraction of shop prices. The company that I worked for at the time, hired the spare land that used to be the space that was once filled by the old Central station, right next to the YEP building, the only original thing that's left around there now is a wall that divided the YEP and the waste land (not counting the preserved hoist/lifting shaft). We were making the shutters up there for the Bond St Shopping Centre job. I have to admit that I have a soft spot for this area, I was only 17 at the time, an apprentice Joiner, and as I'm almost 66 now, I'm probably the last man standing that was involved with the building of the Bond St Shopping Centre (which has been renamed since). But just in case I'm wrong, it would be good to hear from anyone that was there when I was.

[@thomaslister950]

Look forward to having a look around this. I have often wondered that it would be nice if developers could do something with the inside of the old railway lift housing that still stands further along the now deveoped area which you previously covered, maybe either a small office or cafe.

[@alanbates8106]

Great video as always and I agree it’s great that we’re starting to save and reuse some of these great structures

[@michaelmiller641]

Brilliant idea, Darren

[@apb3251]

Love it, like the High Line in Manhattan. There is a similar project in Manchester as well.

[@davidnm21]

Nice work Darren. This reminds me of the elevated old railway they have converted over in New York, kind of very similar. Love that they kept the semaphore signal post. Interesting thanks.

[@marcelwiszowaty1751]

Whilst the High Line in NYC looks great, it seems that its inspiration is usually overlooked... namely La Promenade Plantée in Paris, which I first visited way back in the 90s. It's very pleasant and of course much closer than New York... I highly recommend it!

[@davidnm21]

@@marcelwiszowaty1751 ok thanks didn’t know about the Paris one👍

[@marcelwiszowaty1751]

@@davidnm21 No problem!

[@gyorgykiszli4269]

Look at 'High Line - Abandoned Railway Line Becomes Elevated Park in New York'. I had a project to do in Landscape Architecture on the Leeds Viaduct whilst I was a student at Leeds Metropole 20 years ago. Happy that now something has been is being taken on now.

[@waynecheshire7878]

Ive just added Leeds to my go to places list thank you Darren 😊

[@AdventureMe]

Have fun

[@RaggyAl1971]

That's fantastic Darren,should have been done with the last remaining bit of viaduct in Nottingham but they demolished it in favour of a new university building.

[@lindseykaine-walley6339]

I agree, am not a fan of these new tall buildings but what they have done with that area is fabulous. I wish Sheffield would do more with its heritage. Lovely to have an early video from you!!

[@andybonner5105]

Great to see the viaduct finally open! I would have expected better coverage, so thank you for making me aware. Being an Agent in this wonderful city, I can't wait to see it completed. Thanks again and keep up the great work!

[@Chattyman2]

I'll be off to walk that soon, thank you

[@shirleysmith1713]

Brilliant Darren that this old building put to good use👍🏻 . Very interesting video 👍🏻😀

[@Lordpaul7k]

Great! I walked past it today and thought of yiur last video. Didn't realise it was open. My office is in one of the ugly glass buildingsyiu pointed at 😂

[@tonycallaghan170]

Great presentation as usual Darren my compliments. I totally agree with your point of incorporating older architecture into new developments. Lots of superb Victorian/ Edwardian period architecture in & around Leeds and vital that we keep that heritage. Keep up the great work 👍

[@SteveSmith-qf3sk]

What a fantastic video

[@ceanothus_bluemoon]

Agree with you on the soulless blocks, but very pleasing to see this elegant Victorian viaduct section being used and not demolished. Would love to see how it's progressed since you filmed this 5 mths ago. Wouldn't it be nice to see signals back on the original post, and a section of track re-laid, to commemorate all those who toiled to build it. Was hoping the Holbeck viaduct project would have made some progress by now, but I can't see any updates. Thanks for sharing.

[@AdventureMe]

I'll be back soon

[@stephennesbitt6059]

Great vlog,excellent idea in using the viaduct and keeping some original features!

[@Sim0nTrains]

Really does look amazing. Brilliant video

[@jatzbethstappen9814]

This was excellent thanks!

[@ronnievenhorst9873]

Nice video. Nice reuse of this old railway viaduct. They are also working on something similar in Rottedam.

[@ZelB06]

Oh lovely. I work on Whitehall so hopefully I can get chance on my lunch break to take a look :)

[@martinmarsola6477]

Just caught it after it started. A nice tour today. See you on Sunday noon time? Thanks for the tour today, Darren. Cheers mate! 😊

[@devonjohnson4352]

Hopefully the Holbeck Viaduct Project will do similar on the other side of the river 🤞

[@jonathanhall7334]

Excellent Video

[@Chattyman2]

I reckon the arches will have shops/restauraunts in them like they do near the train station

[@darkpicturesproductionskleina]

Nice one think one day I will have to come and check it out

[@fentoncentral-ngauge]

Nice one Darren. Must take a look. Right now I'm off to the Coach n Horses for a swift one 👍

[@philsmodelrailway232]

Outstanding work as always I always wanted to get on top when I lived in Leeds and would have loved to see what it was like before redevelopment Only ever did the Holbeck viaduct

[@AslamGreyFox]

looks awesome....ive only seen it from below on the worksite lol

[@NickB_Yorkshire]

Great video. Really nice thing to do for Leeds. In a lot of areas, they’d have just demolished the viaduct. Reminded us a little bit of The High Line project in NYC, albeit on a smaller scale 😊

[@darleytransportandtravel6353]

Victorian structures are beautiful to behold. Most railway architecture of that time is a treasure. The modernists of the 1960s would have destroyed this wonderful viaduct back then had they been able. Out with the old, in with the new. Thank God we see things better now.

[@craigchadwick839]

A great watch and good to see the thought that has gone into this development, which I believe will have its own security. A bit harsh though calling the new blocks vulgar, as modern architecture is all about individual taste and unfortunately having to balance the books.

[@quickclipsbyjmj]

This reminds me of the other viaduct on the edge of Leeds, more towards Holbeck. It too should be a foot bridge/garden into Leeds. Perhaps you could film the David Oluwale memorial bridge, off Water Lane? I filmed it just two days after it opened.

[@frogandspanner]

Grand!

[@raymondlee4767]

Great video Darren at least they are keeping some of the history, Are they building new flats near there in blue? looks very built up.

[@AdventureMe]

Not sure. Looks like it

[@TQ11AA]

Leeds city centre has few open spaces this is a great development. I'd love to know who was behind it and who funded, it's not been done on the cheap? This kind of initiative makes Leeds a great modern city.

[@AdventureMe]

I think it was the developer

[@randomguy9893]

Are you planning to visit the old Morley station before it gets totally demolished, the new one has been opened now but parts of the old one still remains. Shame they didn’t keep a part of the old footbridge at Morley station.

[@jetsons101]

Nice job of reusing Vintage Steam infrastructure with new infrastructure, it adds "charm" for the new residents to enjoy. Darren, the steps help keep you in better shape --- not the lift. LOL

[@charliewilkinson4581]

Brilliant use of a small part of the miles of viaducts that are in and around Leeds city centre. Can’t we have push bikes and footpaths up there as well?

[@TheCoopsvids]

Hope they put security cameras up there too 👍🏻

[@MrChrisBarker]

It helps in this world if hidden costs, That it's probably too expensive to totally remove all these fantastic old places. Cheaper and better to just reconstitute and revitalise.

[@user-ny9jw8oo5k]

I’m currently working on the building next to it

[@fatlad5090]

they probably put a coffee shop on top of there

[@stephenclark9917]

I visited today (23/02/2023) and walked through the wooden corridor. The other side, a man stopped me and said that only the garden part is open. The section beyond the wooden corridor was planned to be ready and open by November.

[@danielscott6766]

Hi Stephen. I went today to have a look at this impressive structure. As you said I was also told past the wooden bit wasn't open yet but he let me through after they had finished working with the crane was really friendly workers one telling me about the history of the old semaphore signal that is to be retained as its grade 2 listed.

[@normandunford5747]

Very nice but , I still believe they could have re opened the actual rail system. The Holbeck high & low could alleviate so much gridlocked car traffic into Leeds.

[@venoose1]

I bet they use this location for Light Night later this year.

[@keithjessop4363]

Do you access it from Whitehall Road?

[@AdventureMe]

Yes. Through the car park