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New Merseyrail trains project moves
forward as work starts on new depot
GROUND work has started on the new
state of the art depot at Kirkdale where all maintenance work for the new
Merseyrail trains, due to be introduced in 2020, will take place.
Warrington based BAM Nuttall are currently undertaking enabling works after
being awarded the contract by Stadler Rail Services, who will be manufacturing
and maintaining the new fleet.
Preliminary work is due to start in October 2017, with the depot build set to be
complete by 2019, in time for the arrival of new trains for testing.
Features of the new depot will include:-
► The creation of a maintenance facility for the new state of the art Stadler
trains.
► A driving cab simulator, including a full size mock up of a driver's cab,
facilities for a link between the trainer and trainee and a lecture theatre for
people to observe the training.
► A new train washing facility.
► Stabling capaCity for up to 30 trains.
► New offices and welfare facilities for the maintenance workforce.
► Meanwhile, the existing Birkenhead depot will remain essential to operations,
with plans for a 2nd new train washing facility. Detailed plans are still
being developed for this site.
Thomas Zweifel, Programme Director and Deputy CEO UK for Stadler said:-
"Stadler will implement in the Kirkdale depot its state of the art technology
and maintenance expertise. The significant local investment and up-skilling of
local workforce are strengthening the Merseyside industrial sector and will
overall result in a positive economic impact. Stadler is excited to be involved
in this project that will see new trains on the Merseyrail network in 2020."
David Powell, Merseytravel's programme director for the new trains said:-
"The new depot at Kirkdale and the refurbished depot at Birkenhead North will be
essential in keeping our new trains reliable, clean and serving the Liverpool
City Region well. The start of the ground works at Kirkdale is an exciting
milestone; the 1st real visible sign that these new state of the art trains are
coming."
Jan Chaudhry-van der Velde, Merseyrail's managing director, added:- "The
start of the work to overhaul Kirkdale depot is another step along the way to
transform the Merseyrail network, moving us a stage closer to the introduction
of new trains. We welcome this much needed upgrade, which will take the depot
into the 21st century, equipped to maintain the trains to a very high standard."
Added Paul Abraham, project manager for BAM Nuttall:- "'We have been
working collaboratively with Stadler during the tender stage of this exciting
programme. From our Warrington office we have been able to provide locally based
staff to support the bid and develop the programme. We will continue with this
locally based approach throughout the delivery phase and also provide
opportunity for our northern based supply chain. We look forward to delivering
this key piece of infrastructure for Stadler and Merseytravel and supporting the
local economy"
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