As part of plans to expand Fremantle Harbour, in 1954 the Government of Western Australia announced plans to build a new marshalling yard to replace a yard at Fremantle North Wharf.

[3][4] In 1966, the yard was converted to dual gauge as part of the conversion of the line from Kalgoorlie.

[6] In 1986, the American Broadcasting Company installed receiving and transmitting equipment to the top of the lighting towers for its 1987 America's Cup coverage.

[8] After the transfer of CBH Group's grain handling facility to Forrestfield in 1998, the yard was closed and the 17 hectare site was rezoned for urban redevelopment.

[11][12] Media related to Leighton Yard at Wikimedia Commons