Home Run for Lover’s Walk
16 Jan 2007
A £35m refurbishment of Southern Railway’s Traincare depot at Lover’s Walk, Brighton has been officially recognised and a plaque unveiled by David Smith, the Mayor of Brighton.
The work, which commenced in 2002, has included installing a wheeldrop and overhead crane, refurbishment of offices, mess rooms and stores. CCTV has been installed and the signal panel that controls movements within the 160-year old depot replaced. The refurbishment of Montpelier sidings means there are now six roads with four covered sidings. These have been fitted with controlled emission toilet and sanding equipment along with a new wash plant.
Work to enhance the depot was ramped up when slam door stock was withdrawn and Class 377s introduced. Lover’s Walk depot is now able to carry out heavy maintenance work. On average the depot has 27 arrivals and 30 departures every week day.
Says Depot Safety Quality Manager, John Poulton, ‘There is no other depot like Brighton and the 200 shop floor staff have made the depot what it is today. I cannot say thank you enough to the Brighton team, we’re like one big family.’
Says Southern’s managing director, Chris Burchell, ‘The successful completion of the work at Brighton is a testament to the success of the collaborative working of a large number of people and organisations.’