The demolition of one of DB Cargo UK’s most iconic buildings is underway as the company continues with its multi-million pound programme of investment to modernise its property portfolio and improve working conditions.
The old office block at the company’s Knottingley depot in West Yorkshire is being replaced with new, more energy-efficient modular cabins, including offices, a messroom and toilet facilities.
Since Knottingley opened as a Traction Maintenance Depot back in 1967, there has been a significant reduction in on-site activities, largely due to the demise of the coal industry and closure of nearby power stations at Ferrybridge and Eggborough.
However, it continues to provide an important role in the delivery of DB Cargo UK’s contract to transport biomass to the nearby Drax Power Station.
Safety and Compliance Manager Chris Pickerden explained that the iconic office block built in the 1990s was now under-utilised and inefficient to run.
He said: “DB Cargo UK is continuously looking for ways to improve the safety and efficiency of its operations and reduce its impact on the environment.
“The office block at Knottingley is no longer fit for purpose and it now costs a small fortune to maintain and run. As much as we all love its iconic design with its balcony and balustrades, we can no longer justify the expense of keeping it open.
“The new, pre-fabricated cabins can easily accommodate the ground staff and drivers who now operate out of Knottingley and are much more energy-efficient, We have already installed them at several other sites with great success.”
Photo credit: DB Cargo
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