Construction of a new £7million train servicing depot near Scarborough railway station has now started in preparation for brand new Nova train sets to be introduced during Spring 2019.
The Mayor of the Borough of Scarborough, Cllr Joe Plant visited the construction site to formally launch the building of the new maintenance depot and infrastructure works during September at the start of the track renewals leading to the new depot, an investment being made by TransPennine Express (TPE) in partnership with construction company GRAHAM and Network Rail.
Once opened, the modern facility will provide maintenance services including fuelling for trains operating to and from Scarborough and will create around 15 new jobs to help service the trains.
Customers will begin to see the 13, brand new five carriage trains running between Scarborough, York, Leeds, Huddersfield, Manchester and Liverpool during Spring 2019.
These longer trains will be phased into service and will mean 700,000 extra seats per year for those travelling to and from Scarborough.
Chris Nutton, Major Projects Director for TransPennine Express said: “This major milestone represents an important step towards introducing brand new trains for those travelling to or from Scarborough and is great news for the region.
“The first of our brand new Nova trains will start to be introduced in spring 2019 and once in service, will totally transform rail travel for customers in the region.”
Welcoming the investment, the Mayor of the Borough of Scarborough, Cllr Joe Plant said: “The provision of this train servicing depot at Scarborough railway station will be a fantastic investment for the area with the creation of new jobs and brand new trains running from Spring 2019 and will enhance the service TransPennine Express offer between Scarborough and Liverpool. Having been involved with the project since its early inception as the former Portfolio HoIder for Transformation, I am delighted today as the Mayor to be able to formally launch the building of the new maintenance depot.”
Laura Coulthard, Sponsor for Network Rail, said: “We are always looking for ways in which we can work with train operators to improve the railway for passengers and we are delighted to be working with TransPennine Express on this exciting project.
“The investment will create a more modern railway with improved facilities to service trains.”
Leo Martin, Managing Director (Civil Engineering) for GRAHAM commented: “Following the successful completion of the design phase, GRAHAM is looking forward to delivering this new train care facility on behalf of TransPennine Express. Our experienced team is committed to working collaboratively with TransPennine Express, Network Rail and the local stakeholders throughout the delivery phase to ensure that the innovative new Nova trains, which will arrive during Spring 2019, have modern facilities and up-to-date stabling to operate effectively in the region.
“This project further demonstrates the breadth of GRAHAM’s rail capabilities and is an endorsement of the calibre of works, which we have previously undertaken throughout the UK. We have established a reputation for ‘delivering lasting impact’ and this scheme provides us with the perfect opportunity to make a real difference to the environment and local communities where we will be operating.”
TPE will deliver an investment of £500million over the next two years in new services and brand new Nova trains.
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