Rail Centre for Sheffield

May 15th 2007

Network Rail has decided to build a new National Engineering Centre on extensive sidings between Woodhouse Junction and Beighton Junction in Sheffield.

The £40 million investment brings a further boost to the rail industry in south Yorkshire. The centre will create 160 jobs and become the national hub for maintaining Network Rail’s fleet of engineering trains and on-track plant and machinery. Plans have been unveiled locally and include green technology, water harvesting and plenty of trees and landscaping.

Says Peter Henderson, Projects and Engineering Director, ‘Our plans are great news for the local area as they represent a big investment for the region and the creation of much needed jobs. The railway is thriving and this national hub will help to keep it running safely and effectively for years to come.’

The site sports a large amount of disused railway land as well as good rail links to the national network. As well as the line to Sheffield and Worksop there is access to the ECML at Retford and, via the freight route through Beighton, to Rotherham and the Midland Main Line at Tapton Junction near Chesterfield.

Rail officials were quick to point out that the area has a skilled work force, Tinsley is just a few miles away and Sheffield Hallam University is currently running a railway foundation degree.

‘Technical innovation is at the heart of our plans to develop and improve the railways. This centre will allow us to develop new and better ways of maintaining our fleet by ensuring we have the right people with the right skills and attitude centred in a single purpose-built site. It is a crucial part of our investment in the future of the rail network,’ said Mr. Henderson.

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