Historic locomotives to return after funding grant

A funding grant will enable a collection of locomotives to go on show in Leeds for the first time in more than a decade.

The locomotive sheds at Leeds Industrial Museum will reopen next summer after being closed since the Boxing Day floods in 2015.

The collection of locomotives built in the city will return due to a £233,125 grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund as part of the Reimagining Railways project.

Leeds Industrial Museum is housed inside the Grade II* listed Armley Mills, once the world's largest woollen mill.

Keeper at Leeds Industrial Museum, Chris Sharp said: "These historic engines are such an important part of the city's story and each played their part in putting Leeds on the map as a centre of innovation and industry.

"We're so grateful to all the staff and volunteers who worked so hard in the aftermath of the floods to preserve the museum and the locos and to The National Lottery Heritage Fund for their support in making this exciting project a reality.

"It's been a long journey but we're absolutely thrilled that visitors will be able to visit the gallery next summer and we can't wait to welcome them."

The Boxing Day floods during Storm Eva in 2015 saw parts of the museum submerged under 8ft (2.4m) of water.

The museum reopened three months later, but the damage to the locomotive sheds was too expensive and they have remained closed since then.

Flood-protection works as part of the Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme Phase 2, have been completed to safeguard the museum site from future flooding.

Arts Council England also funded structural work from 2023-2025 through their Museum Estate and Development Fund, which stabilised the locomotive shed and improved environmental control.

Engines on display will include Junin and Aldwyth, built more than 100 years ago by Leeds firm Manning Wardle, which exported engines around the world.

Future plans for the project will also see the return of a Leeds-built locomotive running on a newly renovated narrow-gauge track for special events.

Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council's executive member for economy, said: "These remarkable machines have been part of our local heritage for generations and it's wonderful to be adding another exciting chapter to their story and to the unique story of Leeds Industrial Museum.

"The project to get the locomotive sheds open again has involved so much hard work and tireless dedication from everyone at the site too and it will be a special moment for all those involved when we can finally welcome back visitors next summer."

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