The Dark Arches

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The Dark Arches are to be found underneath Leeds railway station, in West Yorkshire, England.

One of the many stone and brick tunnels between Neville Street and Granary Wharf, at least four of which are taken up by the River Aire thundering beneath the platforms at Leeds Railway Station.
One of the many stone and brick tunnels between Neville Street and Granary Wharf, at least four of which are taken up by the River Aire thundering beneath the platforms at Leeds Railway Station.

[edit] History

In 1864 it was decided that a new station should be built in Leeds, appropriately the name "New Station" was chosen. Construction began in 1866 and the station was completed in 1869. The New station was built upon arches which span the River Aire, Neville Street and Swinegate.

The building of the station led to the creation of the 'Dark Arches' over Neville Street. Over 18 million bricks were used during their construction, breaking records at the time. Although the arches appear to be part of one single structure, closer inspection reveals that it is a series of independent viaducts two or four tracks wide.

[edit] Present

The Dark Arches used simply for car parking
The Dark Arches used simply for car parking

The station is situated next to the terminus of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, but as the station is raised high above ground level it is possible to gain access to the Dark Arches underneath from the towpath.

Developed in the 1990s and advertised as Leeds' best kept secret the Granary Wharf shopping centre is situated in underneath the Dark Arches. There are several established businesses nestling underneath the arches, these include; restaurants, shops, boutiques, cafes, a bakery, exhibition spaces and a 1,000 capacity events venue, many other lots are vacant and others are used simply for car parking. The Arches as a shopping centre has been in decline for some time, and it is suggested that the owners intend to make the whole area into a car park at some point in the future.